Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

'Pre-Dementia' on the Rise

Mild impairment strikes nearly a million elderly a year, especially men

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 29, 2008 5:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Almost a million Americans each year develop a mild form of memory loss that is often a precursor to Alzheimer's, according to new research. Mild Cognitive Impairment—more serious than normal "senior moments"—was found to be more common in men, the Los Angeles Times reports. Doctors warn that a crisis is looming as the Baby Boom generation ages.

"If we don't find a cure or treatment to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, we're going to be overwhelmed," one neurologist told Reuters. No treatment is currently available to halt the mild impairment before full-blown dementia develops, although researchers have reported fairly promising results from a trial of a nasal spray designed to boost memory in pre-dementia sufferers.

Researchers say pre-dementia is worse than the senior moments of misplaced car keys, but impairs function much less than full-blown Alzheimers.
Researchers say "pre-dementia" is worse than the "senior moments" of misplaced car keys, but impairs function much less than full-blown Alzheimers.   ((c) Dhaval Jani)
Pre-dementia is the latest worry for aging Americans.
Pre-dementia is the latest worry for aging Americans.   ((c) Ben Scicluna)
Researchers say a form of memory loss called mild cognitive impairment strikes as much as 5% of the population over 70 each year.
Researchers say a form of memory loss called mild cognitive impairment strikes as much as 5% of the population over 70 each year.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne