This is the astonishing finding of a study presented on the site of the American weekly Time. According to a survey of more than 6,000 people from 12 different countries, Alzheimer’s is the most feared disease, behind cancer, for a quarter of respondents.
However, in some countries such as India, China or Saudi Arabia, an overwhelming majority (80%) confuse and consider Alzheimer’s disease as a normal consequence of aging. Much more complicated than that, this degenerative disease causes a progressive decline in cognitive faculties and memory, and the symptoms usually appear after age 65. Over time, the affected person has increasing difficulty remembering events, recognizing objects and faces, remembering the meaning of words and exercising judgment. In its advanced stage, Alzheimer’s disease becomes fatal, like cancer.
Only people with a family history are affected
The survey also reveals that 40% of respondents consider that only people with a family history can be affected. “Alzheimer’s disease knows no bounds” reacts Harry Johns, president and director of the Alzheimer’s Association, an American association. “Anyone with a brain is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” he adds.
Contrary to popular belief, and although it is one of the factors, Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal consequence of aging. No one is doomed to illness as they grow older. Cardiovascular disease risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes, etc.) also seem to contribute to its development. It is also possible that infections or exposure to toxic products play a role in some cases, but no formal proof has been obtained.
Alzheimer’s affects approximately 1% of the elderlyaged 65 to 69, 20% of people aged 85 to 89 and 40% of people aged 90 to 95. It is estimated that 1 in 8 men and 1 in 4 women will suffer from it in their lifetime. Since women live longer, they are more likely to develop it one day.
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