What we’re learning about Alzheimer’s Disease

 

How often have you heard someone say, “Alzheimer’s is the one disease I couldn’t deal with” or at least a similar sentiment?

Many Americans seem willing to live with pain and physical limitations rather than not being able to function to their full mental capacity, while losing their memories and not knowing loved ones.

It’s often said that the unknown breeds fear and that may be one reason so many are afraid of Alzheimer’s.

The numbers themselves are truly frightening.  More than five million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it’s estimated that number could increase to 13.8 million by 2050.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s even though there have been some promising findings in research recently.

However, not all research ends in optimism.

Just last month, word came out about a study that indicated Alzheimer’s progresses faster in women.  We already know that two-thirds of those disagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women.

More research also concluded that sleep disorders could contribute to Alzheimer’s

Appearing on this episode of Smart Talk to discuss the ramifications of the latest research are Dr. Paul Eslinger, a neuropsychologist at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Candy Yingling, the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter.

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