Alzheimer's a much larger cause of death than reported

A new U.S. study suggests that Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are markedly under-reported on death certificates and medical records. Death certificates tend to only provide an immediate cause, such as pneumonia, and don’t mention the underlying condition that provoked it.

The study involved 2,566 older adults (65+; mean age 78) who received annual testing for dementia. The death rate was more than four times higher for those aged 75-84 who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and nearly three times higher in those with Alzheimer’s aged 85+. More than one-third of all deaths in those age groups were attributable to Alzheimer's disease. Median time from Alzheimer’s diagnosis to death was 3.8 years.

All this translates into an estimated mortality rate from Alzheimer's that is five to six times higher than the accepted number (derived from death certificates), which has put Alzheimer’s as the 6^th leading cause of death.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/aaon-sad022614.php

[3579] James, B. D., Leurgans S. E., Hebert L. E., Scherr P. A., Yaffe K., & Bennett D. A.
(2014). Contribution of Alzheimer disease to mortality in the United States.
Neurology. 82(12), 1045 - 1050.

mortality

seniors

Alzheimer's Disease

Related News

Feeling lonely linked to increased dementia risk

There's quite a bit of evidence now that socializing — having frequent contact with others — helps protect against cognitive impairment in old age. We also know that depression is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Social isolation decreases myelin

Problems with myelin — demyelination (seen most dramatically in MS, but also in other forms of neurodegeneration, including normal

Dopamine decline underlies episodic memory decline in old age

The

Timing of hormone therapy critical for Alzheimer's risk

It’s been unclear whether hormone therapy helps older women reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s or in fact increases the risk.

Diet affects your chance of cognitive impairment in old age

In a large Mayo Clinic study, self-reported diet was found to be significantly associated with the risk of seniors developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia over a four-year period.

Exercise may be best way to protect against brain shrinkage

A study using data from the Lothian Birth Cohort (people born in Scotland in 1936) has analyzed brain scans of 638 participants when they were 73 years old.

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to cognitive impairment

Caffeine has been associated with a lower of developing Alzheimer's disease in some recent studies.

How green tea helps fight cognitive decline & dementia

Green tea is thought to have wide-ranging health benefits, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes.

Are sleep problems a key factor in Alzheimer’s?

I reported a few months ago on some evidence of a link between disturbed sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s. Now a mouse study adds to this evidence.

Why metabolic syndrome is linked to cognitive decline?

I’ve reported before on the growing evidence that metabolic syndrome in middle and old age is linked to greater risk of cognitive impairment in old age and faster decline.

Pages