While this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) was held virtually due to Covid-19, it was still full of information. With over 3,100 presentations and attendees signing in from over 100 countries, the turnout was remarkable.
According to the press releases published during and after the conference, the following insights were shared:
- Global Dementia Cases Forecasted to Triple by 2050: The study indicates dementia would increase from an estimated 57.4 (50.4 to 65.1) million cases globally in 2019 to an estimated 152.8 (130.8 to 175.6) million cases in 2050. Some reasons this will occur include estimated trends in smoking, high body mass index and high blood sugar. It also takes into account the overall increases in population and longevity.
- Transgender Individuals Show Higher Rates of Cognitive Decline from Dementia: Two studies conducted on transgender and gender nonbinary adults in the U.S. show this population reports they are twice as likely to experience confusion or memory loss that is happening more often or is getting worse.
- Improving Air Quality Reduces Risk of Dementia: Long-term exposure to air pollutants resulted in higher beta amyloid levels which leads to symptoms of dementia. A new study made this biological connection which will encourage health care providers to warn seniors about the importance of air quality.
- More People Under the Age of 65 Will Show Signs of Dementia/Alzheimer’s: A younger onset of the illness was presented by several international studies. They expect this age group to increase by approximately 360,000 new cases per year.
- Alzheimer’s Mortality Rate Increased, Especially for those in Rural America: The mortality rate has increased dramatically in the last twenty years. Those in rural areas are three times more likely to die from the disease than those in more urban areas. It is believed that lifestyle factors including underlying illnesses may attribute to this.
- Focusing on Education and Lifestyle Improvement Will Be Next Steps in Prevention: The AAIC will continue to share information in hopes that with the right education certain lifestyle improvements can be made throughout the population to ward off the disease. Diet, exercise and heart health will be the primary focus of this educational initiative.
Covid-19’s Impact on Alzheimer’s / Dementia
The AAIC also addressed the impact of Covid-19 on the brain. While these studies are in preliminary stages and will need to be conducted for substantially more time, the early results show that Covid-19 is affecting the nervous system in ways that worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Brain inflammation and neuronal damage seem to be the cause.
Keeping up-to-date on research impacting Maryland’s seniors is a priority at Stouffer Legal. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are diseases that cause significant cognitive decline which may impact legal, financial and long-term care issues. To speak with an experienced estate planning attorney contact us for a consultation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599, emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com, or register for an upcoming free webinar using the link below:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3838027173115123727
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2992977720378807055
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/538099208554974223
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7850280342799977231
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1235806406587920911
