- Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly numerous and not only among older adults but also in young adults.
- During the last two decades, deaths from Alzheimer’s have doubled and there are several reasons behind this phenomenon.
- According to the WHO, 10 million new cases of different forms of dementia are registered every year.
During the last decades, an increase in life expectancy has been achieved but, at the same time, the Alzheimer’s-related deaths. In fact, this type of dementia affects more and more people and not only the elderly but also young adults.
Just to have a clear idea of the change, in 1950 the average life expectancy in the world was 46 years. In fact, based on historical records of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI)In the mid-20th century, the main causes of death were influenza, pneumonia, gastroenteritis and certain early childhood diseases.
On the other hand, today most of these problems are no longer fatal because they can be treated relatively easily. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)since 2000 life expectancy has registered great advances on the planet although significant inequalities persist from one country to another.
Neurodegenerative diseases, a public health problem
In its basic definition, they are those in which a progressive dysfunction of the
Central Nervous System (CNS) and occur as hereditary or acquired pathologies.
Most of these diseases are characterized by a pathogenic mechanism
common that consists of adding and accumulating misfolded proteins that are deposited in
form intracellular or extracellular aggregates and produce cell death.
Therefore, they are diseases of the nervous system whose characteristic is to alter the
cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioral functioning of people who suffer from them.
Although not all of them are associated with aging, this is usually a risk factor
relevant.
What are the most common?
● Alzheimer’s.
● Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
● Parkinson’s disease.
● Huntington’s disease.
● Friedrich’s ataxia.
● Dementia with Lewy bodies.
● Multiple sclerosis.
● Neuromuscular diseases.
Now, according to what was reported by StatistaIn the United States alone, the rate of deaths related to Alzheimer’s doubled between 2000 and 2019. While before, an average of 17.6 people per 100,000 died from this form of dementia, while now the figure is 37.
According to Alzheimer’s Association, this is likely a result of the aging population because age is the predominant risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s. Although it could also be a reflection of the increase in the number of formal diagnoses of the disease.
The organization’s analysts predict that by 2025 the number of people over 65 years of age with Alzheimer’s in the United States could reach 7.2 million and up to 13.8 million in 2060.
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