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Mental Decline Strikes 1/3 of Seniors

Alzheimer's will afflict 1 in 8 baby boomers, report projects

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 18, 2008 12:53 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Cognitive problems ranging from forgetting what day it is to full-blown dementia are affecting one-third of the nation's seniors, reports a new study by the National Institute on Aging. The report says 22% of those over 71 have mild impairment, added to 16% suffering dementia, the Washington Post reports. An Alzheimer's Association report out today estimates that 1 in 8 baby boomers will have the disease in their lifetime, Bloomberg reports.

While the number of elderly with dementia had been documented, the 5.4 million whose mental faculties have declined somewhat is far more than previously counted. And the cost of Medicare spending for Alzheimer's will jump from about $21 billion in 2005 to $38 billion in 2025, when boomers start to reach the median age for nursing home admission.

The one-third of American seniors with impaired cognitive abilities may need extra help or guidance from their younger relatives.
The one-third of American seniors with impaired cognitive abilities may need extra help or guidance from their younger relatives.   (Flickr)
More Americans over 71 suffer from mental problems than previously thought, according to a new study from the NIA.
More Americans over 71 suffer from mental problems than previously thought, according to a new study from the NIA.   (Flickr)
About one-quarter of aging adults with impaired mental abilities had an underlying condition like heart disease or diabetes that may have contributed to their brain troubles.
About one-quarter of aging adults with impaired mental abilities had an underlying condition like heart disease or diabetes that may have contributed to their brain troubles.   (Flickr)
In addition to the 3.4 million Americans with dementia, 5.4 million more have mild to moderate cognitive problems, a new NIA study says.
In addition to the 3.4 million Americans with dementia, 5.4 million more have mild to moderate cognitive problems, a new NIA study says.   (Flickr)
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Programs target early stages of dementia
The Ledger

More information from the NIA
National Institute on aging

 
elderly • dementia • public health • aging • cognitive decline • old age • eldercare • National Institute on Aging • Alzheimer's Disease

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