The growing senior population has brought more attention to brain health and cognitive performance. Frankly, whether they are in their sunset years or still a decade out, people are afraid of losing their minds. Research America reported surveyed adults are more than twice as likely to fear losing their mental capacity (62 percent) as their physical abilities (29 percent). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted in its Healthy Brain Initiative, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been in the top 10 leading causes of death since the start of the 20th century. CDC added while mortality rates for heart disease and cancer have declined, rates for AD are on the rise.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.4 million Americans have AD, with as many as 200,000 of them under the age of 65. Two-thirds of those with AD are women. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans are expected to suffer AD. Without touching the emotional costs of the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association placed 2011 monetary costs at an estimated $183 billion, an increase of $11 billion over last year. At this rate, projections place potential 2050 costs at $1.1 trillion.
Of course, AD is not the only brain health worry. Reduced cognitive function and memory loss/dementia round out most people’s brain health fears. Mild cognitive impairment or cognitive impairment no dementia may be a problem for 16 to 25 percent of the elderly population (65 and older). However, the notion that neurological degeneration is an inevitable consequence of aging is misguided. The Alzheimer’s Association pointed out a health aging brain forms new synapses and regenerates nerve cells.
The American Society for Aging (ASA) and Met Life Foundation conducted surveys that revealed Americans’ awareness and attitudes on the brain and aging have taken some positive turns. Nearly nine of 10 people surveyed said they thought it is possible to improve cognitive fitness, and six of 10 felt they should have their cognitive health checked regularly. About 84 percent of respondents reported engaging in some kind of daily activities associated with improving brain health, including art or creative projects, reading, keeping physically active, playing games or doing puzzles, working, or spending time with family and friends. More than half of those surveyed were optimistic a major medical breakthrough on an AD cure would occur in the next 20 years.
