Animated representation of the brain losing its ability over time
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The brain is the most powerful tool in the human body. Although the brain is immensely powerful, it is also extremely fragile. Numerous diseases are known to plague the brain and hinder its capabilities, while also being damaging to the overall well being of the individual. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most detrimental diseases of the brain that is known to man, but not much is actually known. To this date there is no cure for the disease. However, Alzheimer’s Disease is close to a cure due to the growing understanding of the effects of the disease, the ongoing scientific research, and the vast amount of funding to support said research. (AFA)
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What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells resulting in memory loss, thinking and language skill declination, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among people aged 65 and older. Today, more than 3.5 million people are affected by the disease with someone new developing the disease about every 67 seconds. It is estimated that by 2050, over 16 million people will be affected by Alzheimer's with someone new being diagnosed every 33 seconds: about twice as often. Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States with over 80,000 people dying as result of the disease in 2013 alone. From 2000 to 2013, deaths from Alzheimer's increase by 71%, while deaths from other majors diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, breast and prostate cancer, and HIV/AIDS) have decreased. About 45% of people aged 65 and up that are diagnosed with the disease or their caregivers are aware of the disease, which is about half the of percent that those that are diagnosed with cancer and other diseases are aware of. Even when people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, only about 33% are actually aware of their own diagnosis. Also, only about 50% of the people with the disease even know that they have it and are undiagnosed as well. (Alzheimer's Association)