Can alzheimer's kill you
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Can Alzheimer's Disease Kill You?
Alzheimer's Disease Mortality Rates
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant public health concern, particularly as the global population ages. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe cognitive decline and ultimately death. Official death certificates recorded 121,499 deaths from AD in 2019, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older 14. The mortality rate from Alzheimer's has increased by more than 145% between 2000 and 2019, contrasting with the decline in deaths from stroke, heart disease, and HIV during the same period 14.
Mechanisms of Death in Alzheimer's Disease
The primary cause of death in Alzheimer's patients is the extensive neuronal cell death that occurs as the disease progresses. This neuronal death is often exacerbated by other age-related conditions such as cerebrovascular disease and infections 58. Research has shown that blood vessels from the brains of Alzheimer's patients can directly kill neurons, indicating a novel mechanism of vascular-mediated neuronal cell death 5. This neuronal loss leads to the severe cognitive and functional impairments that characterize the later stages of the disease.
Impact on Caregivers and Healthcare System
The burden of Alzheimer's extends beyond the patients to their caregivers and the healthcare system. More than 11 million family members and unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 16 billion hours of care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in 2021 14. This caregiving is not only emotionally and physically taxing but also has significant economic implications, with unpaid dementia caregiving valued at $271.6 billion in 2021 1. The healthcare costs for Alzheimer's patients are also substantial, with Medicare and Medicaid payments for these individuals being significantly higher than for those without dementia 14.
Conclusion
In summary, Alzheimer's disease is a fatal condition that leads to significant neuronal cell death and severe cognitive decline. It is a leading cause of death among the elderly and imposes a heavy burden on caregivers and the healthcare system. As the prevalence of Alzheimer's continues to rise, understanding its mechanisms and finding effective treatments remain critical public health priorities.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
2022 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US, with unpaid dementia caregiving costing $271.6 billion in 2021, and a need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and participation in clinical trials.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedAlzheimer's disease
Our enhanced understanding of Alzheimer's pathogenesis is informing new therapeutic strategies, potentially leading to prevention rather than just treating the disease.
Highly Cited2021 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US, with unpaid dementia caregiving costing $256.7 billion in 2020, and racial and ethnic disparities persist in health care access and dementia care.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedShort Communication Microvessels from Alzheimer’s Disease Brains Kill Neurons in Vitro
Alzheimer's disease microvessels directly kill neurons in vitro, highlighting a novel mechanism of vascular-mediated neuronal cell death in Alzheimer's disease.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedAlzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease research focuses on improving understanding of pathogenesis, developing disease-modifying treatments, and identifying risk and protective factors to potentially reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAlzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a chronic illness with a prevalence of 10-30% in the population over 65 years old, and current treatments focus on improving symptoms and supporting social networks.
Highly CitedThe neuropathological diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's disease pathology involves amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and its diagnosis and treatment are influenced by related pathologies like cerebrovascular disease and Lewy body disease.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEpidemiology of Alzheimer's disease: occurrence, determinants, and strategies toward intervention
Controlling vascular risk factors and maintaining social engagement and stimulating activities may help reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Highly CitedNew Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease
New theories on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis include gamma oscillations, prion transmission, cerebral vasoconstriction, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1 (GHSR1), and infection.
Highly Cited