In 2010, reports indicated there were ~84,000 deaths resulting from Alzheimer’s annually in the U.S. However, a study just published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that number could be understated by over 400,000.
Is it possible that deaths attributed to ALZ actually exceed 500,000 per year? That’s SIX times the original estimate. Watch this report from NBC News to find out why there is such a huge discrepancy.
If these new numbers are accurate, it would mean Alzheimer’s is the THIRD leading cause of death in the United States, behind only cancer and heart disease. Did you know cancer receives $5.7 billion in annual funding compared to $550 million for Alzheimer’s.
Click here to tell Congress a cancer-size problem requires a cancer-size response.
The Long and Winding Road... 
Thank you for informing me and helping me take action. My mother had Alzheimer’s for 12 years. She spent nearly 5 years curled in a fetal position–rarely opened her eyes, didn’t speak, only swallowed fluids and moist foods. I just looked at her death certificate after reading this. Cause of death? “Natural causes.” Must mean someone thinks 12 years of Alzheimer’s is natural and not even a disease worthy of mention. Thank for for inspiring me to look at that. If she didn’t die of Alzheimer’s, no one did. She had no other organic problems.
LikeLike
Thanks for your support, Elaine. You are certainly not alone in finding your mother’s cause of death was misstated… It’s so important that we educate people on this. It’s the only way we can get a clear picture of *real* statistics, thus showing the need for a significant increase in funding!
LikeLike
Ann thank you for bringing this to attention. I recently went to my state capitol with a group of caregivers to lobby for funding for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. It opened my eyes to see how we need to put a face to Alzheimer’s to have a voice for our loved ones and those who care for them.
LikeLike
Thanks for all of your advocacy work, Vina!!!
LikeLike