According to a report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Alzheimer’s has tripled among adults between the ages of 30 to 64. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Is Alzheimer’s commonness increasing?
Alzheimer’s commonness Is Increasing
The study done in 2017, found among insured Americans between the ages of 30 and 64, there were 131,000 diagnosed with either dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis rates between the years 2013-2017 increased by 200%. In 2013, 4.2 adults per 10,000 were found with the disease while in 2017 12.6 per adult was found. The average age for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s was 49. The disease was also found to be more common in women making up an astounding 58%. The total number of those diagnosed is small compared to the total population, although it is important to note that it’s becoming more common.
Age Factors In Alzheimer’s
When age is factored in those between the 30-44 age group, 19,000 people were diagnosed. That is an increase of 373% from just four years prior. Those in the 45-54 age group jumped 311% with 34,000 people diagnosed. The 55-64 age group population found 78,000 diagnosed, growing 143% from 2013. Those living with early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s have an average Health Index of 62.5, which means they are living at just 63% of optimal health.
Could It Be Linked to Where You Live?
The prevalence of the disease also was higher in the east south and parts midwest. Western states had a lower recorded diagnosis.
Prior Year Diagnosis
There is no definitive test for Alzheimer’s, but here are some facts from the year before about those diagnosed. 86% of people with early-onset Alzheimers received brain imaging a year prior. of people with the disease, 57% had taken antidepressant medication in the year before. 40% of those diagnosed first was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, cognitive or behavioral changes in the year before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the following points were made by Blue Cross:
- In 2017, early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affected about 131,000 commercially insured Americans between the ages of 30 and 64. A three-fold increase in diagnoses over the four year period.
- These health conditions are more common in women, as this group accounts for 58% of those diagnosed. This diagnosis included both early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease combined.
- Diagnosis rates for both conditions are rising in younger adults, with the average age of someone living with either form of dementia at 49 years old.
- These health trends indicate a need for a focus on appropriate care and support for individuals with either form of dementia and support for their caregivers as the disease progresses.
What do you think about this study? Do you believe Alzheimer’s commonness is increasing? Leave your thoughts below and tell us how this study might change your viewpoint.
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