The Official Blog of Episcopal Retirement Services

Alzheimer’s effects more than 5 million individuals in the United States, and medical experts estimate that this number will increase to 16 million by the year 2050. As more seniors are affected, there has been an increased demand for research into the cause, treatment, and prevention of this and other dementia-type disease.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that we hear about often, but have yet to truly understand.

1 in 8 seniors over the age of 65 shows signs of Alzheimer’s. More than 5 million have been diagnosed— a number that is expect to rocket up to 16 million within the next few decades.

For all of the advances in senior health care that have allowed older Americans to live happier, healthier lives, we are still faced with a frightening preponderance of disorders— both common and uncommon—that have a dramatic effect on the brain. Alzheimer’s, while one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions, is just one of many such diseases that slowly eat away at the memories, capabilities, abilities, and quality of life.