Alzheimer's Disease and Dementias

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Dementia causes serious loss of cognitive ability, including memory, communication and language, reason and judgment, and visual perception. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, but all dementias go beyond the normal signs of aging to interfere with daily life, affecting millions of people each year. RAND experts analyze long-term care options and effectiveness, as well as how dementia impacts caregivers, society, and the economy.

  • An older couple reading on a porch

    Journal Article

    Dementia Is More Prevalent Among Rural Seniors

    Dec 20, 2017

    A nationally representative study of 16,000 U.S. seniors is the first to show that dementia and cognitive impairment are more common among rural seniors than their urban peers. However, rural investments in boosting high school graduation rates have narrowed the gap.

  • Elderly man with chin on his fist, looking out a sunny window

    Report

    U.S. Health System Should Prepare for Future Alzheimer's Treatments

    Nov 15, 2017

    The U.S. health care system isn't ready to meet demand for a breakthrough Alzheimer's treatment. Results from clinical trials are producing guarded optimism that a breakthrough could arrive as early as 2020. If this happens, up to 2.1 million patients could develop Alzheimer's dementia by 2040 while on treatment and evaluation waiting lists.

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