10 percent of people 65 years old, and nearly 50 percent of those ages 85 or older. An estimated 4 million Americans have Alzheimers (Gweyther, 2000). Slightly more women than men have Alzheimers (Alzheimers.com). Alzheimers is found all over the world. Researchers have found it in China, India, the South Sea Islands, Japan, and Western Europe. It cuts across all socio-economic levels and across all races (Gray-Davidson, 1996). Many famous people have had Alzheimers disease such as, British statesman Winston Churchill, actress Rita Hayworth, and most recently, former President Ronald Regan (Alzheimers.com).Currently the U.S. population is aging, with people over 85 becoming the nations fastest-growing age group. Because this is also the group most affected by Alzheimers disease, experts warn that unless researchers discover how to prevent the disease, by the year 2050, as many as 15 percent of those over 65 might have Alzheimers (Alzheimers.com). Alzheimers affects not only the person with the disease, but his or her loved ones. According to the Alzheimers Association and the National Institute on Aging, about 2.7 million spouses, relatives, and friends care for people with Alzheimers. Some 19 million Americans say a family member has the disease, and about 37 million Americans say they know someone with Alzheimers. Half of all nursing home residents have Alzheimers disease or some other dementing illness (Alzheimers.com).Alzheimers disease is a brain disorder, which gradually destroys the ability to reason, remember, imagine, and learn. Its different from the mild forgetfulness normally observed in older people. Over the course of the disease, people with Alzheimers no longer recognize themselves or much about the world around them. Depression, anxiety, and paranoia often accompany these symptoms. Although there is no cure, new treatments help lessen Alzheimers symptoms and slow its progression (Alzheimers.com).Alzhei...
