Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease was not recognized nor researched until the early 20th century. Today, scientists know that the disease can be present in an individual many years before the first symptoms surface. Alzheimer’s disease is the highest occurring cause of dementia. Early symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty in remembering small details, lack of motivation and depression. As the disease progresses, those with Alzheimer’s disease can experience impaired communication and judgment, confusion and more drastic changes in behavior.¹ Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease is fatal, and there is no known cure.² Currently, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.³ Finland, the United States and Canada have the highest rates of dementia-related deaths in the world.⁴ Of those around the world living with dementia, the majority are from middle income nations, with global prevalence projected to rise 204 percent between 2018 and 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).⁵