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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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Top 10 Causes of Death in Men


Men have shorter life expectancies than women. While we will all die
eventually, there are things we can do to live longer and healthier lives, which
improves the overall quality of our lives and our families lives.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in
2003 just over one million American men died of heart disease or one of the
nine other leading causes of death. That represents 80 percent of all deaths by
men that year. Men are more likely than women to die from most of these
causes. Luckily, because many of these causes can be prevented, men can
take steps to avoid them by knowing the symptoms, by having regular
checkups by a doctor or health care provider and by taking steps to live a
healthier life.
Heart Disease
Cancer
Unintentional Injuries
Stroke
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (LungDiseases)
Diabetes
Influenza and Pneumonia
Suicide
Kidney Disease
Alzheimers Disease

Number 1 Heart Disease


Heart disease is a term that includes many specific heart conditions. According
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary artery

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disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks, is the most common heart
disease in the United States. Other heart conditions include chest pain known
as angina, heart failure and irregular heart beats known as arrhythmias.
About Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD develops when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become
hardened and narrowed from plaque buildup. Because buildup reduces blood
flow, and therefore oxygen, to the heart it can lead to a heart attack.
Statistics
Because men usually develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than
women, men are more likely to die of it in the prime of life. (American
Heart Association)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.
Nearly 700,000 people die of heart disease annually the equivalent of
29 percent of all deaths in the United States. (CDC)
About a quarter of all heart-disease-related deaths occur in men ages 35
to 65. (CDC)
In 2004, heart disease was the cause of death for 410,628 males.
(American Heart Association)
Symptoms of Heart Attack
According to the National Heart Attack Alert Program, major symptoms of a
heart attack include:
Chest discomfort: This discomfort is usually in the center of the chest
and can last for a few minutes or come in waves. It can feel like
uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Upper Body Discomfort: This can include pain or discomfort in one or
both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of Breath: This may occur before or in conjunction with chest
discomfort.
Other: Some people may break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseated or
lightheaded.
Prevention
Several health conditions can lead to heart attacks. These conditions include
high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Here are some things that
you can do to lower your risk of a heart attack.
Treat high blood cholesterol by eating a diet low in saturated fat and
cholesterol and high in fiber, keep a healthy weight, and get regular
exercise. If in spite of your best efforts, your cholesterol remains high,
discuss with your doctor medications that may help.
Control high blood pressure with a healthy diet, regular exercise, not
smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. If after doing all these things,
you still have high blood pressure, discuss options with your doctor
regarding medications.
If you have diabetes, be sure to keep your blood sugar levels under
control. People with diabetes have a heightened risk of heart disease.
Quit smoking and drink in moderation. Both smoking and excessive
alcohol consumption are linked to high blood pressure, some heart
disease and stroke.

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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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Top of page

Number 2 Cancer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the
leading causes of cancer death in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer and
colorectal cancer.
Statistics
In 2003, nearly 288,000 men died of cancer in the U.S., the secondleading cause of death for both sexes. (CDC)
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for both men
and women. (CDC)
Ninety percent of lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. (CDC)
In 2003, 89,964 men died of lung cancer. (CDC)
Symptoms
Lung Cancer
Nearly a quarter of people with lung cancer do not have symptoms from
advanced cancer when their lung cancer is found. While symptoms may
vary, the CDC lists the following as common symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Persistent coughing
Wheezing
Coughing up blood
Chest pain
Fever
Weight loss
Prevention
While there are some people who never smoke and who get lung cancer, the
vast majority of those who get lung cancer smoke.
One of the BEST things you can do for your health is to quit smoking.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/smokefree/sf_quit.htm
Prostate Cancer
The Prostate Cancer Foundation lists the following symptoms:
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
Painful or burning urination.
Difficulty in having an erection.
Painful ejaculation.
Blood in urine or semen.
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Prevention
While preventing prostate cancer may not be possible, early detection does
save lives. Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a prostate
cancer screen and look for the symptoms above.

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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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Colorectal Cancer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many
people with colon cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. Signs and
symptoms include:
A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a
change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of
weeks.
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
Abdominal pain with a bowel movement.
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
Weakness or fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Prevention
While colon cancer cannot be prevented, early detection saves lives. Start
prevention health screenings at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of
colon cancer or have other risk factors.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer occurs more commonly in younger men (age 20 to
54). According to the American Cancer Society, common signs of testicular
cancer include:
Lumps (masses)
Swelling
Pain
Overall Cancer Prevention
Have regular preventive health screenings.
Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke and other tobacco products.
Eat a healthy, varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your
home and workplace, and take steps to reduce your exposure to these
substances.
Know and review your familys medical history.
Top of page

Number 3 Unintentional Injuries


Unintentional injuries are simply accidents. Though a leading cause of death
for men and Americans of all ages many unintentional injuries can be easily
prevented. Injuries in this category include, for example, injuries due to falls,
fire and impaired driving.
Statistics
In 2002, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for people
ages 1 to 44 years and the fifth leading cause of death overall. (CDC)

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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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More than 106,000 people died in 2002 from unintentional injuries.(CDC)


Men are more likely to die from a fall. After adjusting for age, the fall
fatality rate in 2004 was 49 percent higher for men than for women
(CDC).
Residential fires accounted for 76 percent of fire-related injuries and 79
percent of fire-related deaths in 2002. In this year alone, more than
401,000 home fires in the United States claimed the lives of 2,670 people
and injured another 14,050. (CDC)
In 2003, 17,013 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes,
representing 40 percent of the years total traffic deaths. (CDC)
Male drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes are almost twice as
likely as female drivers to be intoxicated with a blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater (NHTSA 2006). It is illegal
to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Driving while distracted or tired increases your likelihood of being involved
in an accident. Using a cell phone, blackberry or other electronic device
can be hazardous while driving and should be avoided.
Prevention
Falls
The CDC recommends the following preventative steps for older adults:
Exercise regularly. Exercise programs like Tai Chi that increase strength
and improve balance are especially good.
Drink only in moderation.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines both
prescription and over-the counter to reduce side effects and
interactions.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
Improve the lighting in your home.
Reduce hazards in your home that can lead to falls.
Fires
The CDC identifies a few main risk factors for unintentional injury due to fire.
Install Smoke Alarms: Approximately half of home fire deaths occur in
homes without smoke alarms.
Double Check Safety of Heating Units: Most residential fires occur
during the winter months.
Drink in Moderation: Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40 percent
of residential fire deaths.
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Number 4 Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by either
a blood clot blocking an artery or a blood vessel breaking. Under these
conditions, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Brain damage
from a stroke can lead to a loss of abilities, including speech, movement and
memory.
Statistics

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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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In 2004, more than 58,000 men died of stroke (American Heart


Association).
About 700,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the United
States each year and more than 150,000 of these people die (American
Heart Association).
About 5.7 million U.S. stroke survivors are alive today, many with
permanent stroke-related disabilities (American Heart Association).
Symptoms
The National Stroke Association lists the following as common symptoms of
stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on
one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Try this easy-to-remember test and Act F.A.S.T if you think someone you
know is having a stroke:
F

FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech
sound slurred or strange?

TIME If you observe any of these signs, its time to call 9-1-1 or get to the
nearest stroke center or hospital.

http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer
/STROKE_101_Fact_Sheet.pdf?docID=4541
Prevention
According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association,
leading risks factors for stroke include:
High blood pressure
Tobacco use
Diabetes
Carotid or other artery disease
Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease
History of mini-strokes known as TIAs
High red blood cell count
Sickle cell anemia
High cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Excessive alcohol intake
Some illegal drugs
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Men's Health - Top 10 Causes of Death in Men

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Number 5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Lung


Diseases)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term physicians use to
refer to two lung diseases chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The diseases
frequently exist together and both are conditions that cause a blockage of
airflow that interferes with normal breathing.
Statistics
In 2003, 60,714 men died of COPD. (American Lung Association)
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by
smoking. Men who smoke are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD
as men who have never smoked. (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services)
Symptoms
Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic cough, increased mucus, frequent clearing
of the throat and shortness of breath.
Emphysema: Shortness of breath and a reduced capacity for physical
activity both of which worsen over time.
Prevention
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Take preventative steps by not
smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals. According to a study in the
American Journal of Epidemiology, occupational exposure to certain
industrial pollutants also may increase the chance of developing COPD.
Top of page

Number 6 Diabetes
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, diabetes can refer either
to a deficiency of insulin or to the bodys decreased ability to use insulin.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows glucose (sugar) to
enter cells and be converted into energy. The bodys ability to synthesize
protein and to store fats also depends on normal levels of insulin. If diabetes is
left untreated, glucose and fats remain in the bloodstream and, over time,
damage the bodys vital organs and contribute to heart disease.
There are two main types of diabetes -- non-insulin dependent (type-2) and
insulin dependent (type-1). Non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually
appears after the age of 40, is the most common type, affecting 90 percent to
95 percent of those who have the disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes, or
type-1 diabetes, affects the remaining proportion of those with the disease.
Although this type of diabetes can occur at any age, it most often appears in
childhood or during the teen years. Over a third of people with diabetes do not
know they have the disease. This is why diabetes is sometimes referred to as
the silent killer.
Statistics
As of 2005, 10.9 million or 11 percent of all men aged 20 years or older in
the United States had diabetes (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services)

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Adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times
higher than adults without diabetes. (U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services)
Heart disease and stroke account for about 65 percent of deaths in
people with diabetes. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20
to 74 years of age. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44 percent
of new cases in 2002. In 2002, 44,400 people with diabetes began
treatment for end-stage kidney disease in the United States and Puerto
Rico. The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with
diabetes. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Symptoms
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes
undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless. Recent studies
indicate early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the
chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
Prevention
Your risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease depend on factors that can be
managed (modifiable risk factors) and others that are genetic (non-modifiable
risk factors). Understanding and managing your risk factors can help you avoid
diabetes and heart disease and live a longer, better life.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Overweight and obesity
High blood glucose
High blood pressure
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Age
Race
Gender
Family history
Top of page

Number 7 Influenza and Pneumonia


Influenza

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According to the CDC, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness


caused by flu viruses. The flu can cause varying degrees of illness from mild to
fatal. The flu is spread from person-to-person in respiratory droplets of coughs
and sneezes. Some people, such as older adults, pregnant women, children,
and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu
complications including death.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Hand-washing and avoiding others with the flu also may help.
Pneumonia
The Mayo Clinic reports that pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually
caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms. Pneumonia
is a particular concern for older adults and people with chronic illnesses or
impaired immune systems, but it can also strike young, healthy people. There
are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to
life-threatening. Pneumonia acquired while in the hospital can be particularly
virulent and deadly. Although antibiotics can treat some of the most common
forms of bacterial pneumonias, antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing
problem. For that reason, and because the disease can be very serious, it's
best to try to prevent infection in the first place.
Statistics
Every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of
the population gets the flu,more than 200,000 people are hospitalized
from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. (CDC)
Every year, more than 60,000 Americans die of pneumonia. (Mayo Clinic)
Worldwide, pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children. (Mayo
Clinic)
Symptoms
The CDC states the flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these
symptoms:
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur, but are more common in
children than adults
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of pneumonia may vary with
many cases of pneumonia developing suddenly. Symptoms may include:
Chest pain
Fever
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath

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Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other
illnesses or occur on its own.
Prevention:
Pneumonia is slightly more complicated compared to flu because you usually
don't "catch" pneumonia from someone else. Instead, you develop the disease
because your immune system is temporarily weakened, often for no known
reason. The following suggestions from the Mayo Clinic can help prevent
pneumonia:
Get vaccinated. Because pneumonia can be a complication of the flu,
getting a yearly flu shot is a good way to prevent viral influenza
pneumonia, which can lead to bacterial pneumonia. In addition, get a
vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia at least once after age 55
and, if you have any risk factors, every five years thereafter.
Wash your hands. Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs
that can cause pneumonia. These germs enter your body when you touch
your eyes or rub the inside of your nose. Washing your hands thoroughly
and often can help reduce your risk. When washing isn't possible, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can be more effective than soap and
water in destroying the bacteria and viruses that cause disease. What's
more, most hand sanitizers contain ingredients that keep your skin moist.
Carry one in your purse or in your pocket.
Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against
respiratory infections.
Take care of yourself. Proper rest and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables
and whole grains, along with moderate exercise, can help keep your
immune system strong.
Protect others from infection. If you have pneumonia, try to stay away
from anyone with a compromised immune system. When that isn't
possible, you can help protect others by wearing a face mask or always
coughing into a tissue.
Top of page

Number 8 - Suicide
According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to commit
suicide because they are more likely to use deadlier means, such as firearms.
Depression is one of the most important risk factors in suicide. Unfortunately,
male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help
and because men dont always develop standard symptoms, such as sadness,
but instead are more likely to experience fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances,
and a loss of interest in work and hobbies. (Mayo Clinic)
About Depression
According to the Mens Health Network, depression is the leading cause of
disability in the U.S. In some cases, it can be caused by a deficit of the
chemicals in the body that are responsible for maintaining energy. Having a
family member with depression also increases your risk and major life crises
may make it worse. Fortunately, in most cases, depression is treatable. If you
are depressed, be sure to see a doctor right away. Waiting will only make it
worse for you and those loved ones around you. (Mens Health Network)
Statistics

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According to the CDC:


In 2004, more than 32,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. This is the
equivalent of 89 suicides per day; one suicide every 16 minutes or 11
suicides per 100,000 people.
Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females and
represent 79 percent of all U.S. suicides.
Suicide rates for males are highest among those aged 75 and older (rate
36 per 100,000).
Firearms are involved in 57 percent of suicides among males, making it
the most commonly used method for men.
The number of deaths from suicide reflects only a small portion of the
impact of suicidal behavior. In 2002, more than 90,000 people were
hospitalized following suicide attempts.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, people at risk of suicide may:
Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive
Have suffered a recent life crisis
Show changes in personality
Feel worthless
Abuse alcohol or drugs
Have frequent thoughts about death
Talk about death and self-destruction
Prevention
Dont expect to overcome depression by yourself. It is a disease, not
something that you will just get over. If you are depressed, talk to your
doctor. In an urgent situation, go to an emergency room or crisis center for
help. Also, take advice from friends and family members if they are
encouraging you to seek help. They are often the first ones to notice. (Mayo
Clinic)
Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being. When stress
doesnt go away, it begins to weaken your immune system and increase your
risk of developing a number of physical and mental conditions. The Mens
Health Network recommends some lifestyle changes to help you cope:
Take Care of Yourself Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep.
Meditate It has been shown to lower blood pressure and relieve
tension.
Talk to Someone Else It creates a support network.
Prioritize Save the least important things for later.
Know Your Limits Sometimes it isnt bad to just walk away.
Dont Self-Mediate Dont turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Top of page

Number 9 Kidney Disease


According to the CDC, kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become
damaged and lose their ability to filter the blood. Kidney disease most often
happens slowly and may go undetected until the kidneys have almost failed.
The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood
pressure. It can also be hereditary. People with these risk factors should get

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tested for kidney disease on an annual basis. African Americans, American


Indians, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are particularly vulnerable.
According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, if your kidneys
stop working completely, your body fills with extra water and waste products.
This often leads to seizures or a coma and will ultimately result in death. If
your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or
kidney transplantation.
Statistics
According to the CDC:
More than eight million Americans have a major loss in kidney function.
Nearly 400,000 of those Americans require dialysis or a kidney transplant
to stay alive.
The number of kidney failure patients is expected to more than double to
650,000 by 2010 because of the growing number of people with
undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes.
The demand for kidney transplants far outweighs the supply. In 2000,
about 100,000 people developed kidney failure, but only about 14,000
transplants were done.
Symptoms
Because kidney disease progresses slowly and may be hard to detect, it is very
important to know the symptoms. While kidney disease cannot be cured, your
doctors can take steps to help your kidneys last longer if the disease is caught
in the early stages.
According to Life Options, symptoms to look for include:
Changes in urination
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands
Fatigue
Skin rash or sever itching
Metallic taste in mouth or bad breath
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Feeling cold all of the time, even in a warm room
Dizziness and trouble concentrating
Pain in the leg, back or side
The CDC notes that many people do not know they have kidney disease
because there may be no symptoms until the kidneys have nearly failed. The
only way to find out if you have kidney disease is to have a urine or blood test.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic suggests these preventative measures:
Drink plenty of fluids
Exercise regularly
Maintain your proper weight
Dont smoke
Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure
Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers
Take all medications only as directed

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Additionally, according to the CDC, people with diabetes can prevent or slow
kidney disease through blood pressure and blood glucose control. People with
kidney disease also must maintain low protein and low salt diets, take daily
medication and follow-up with their health care providers.
Top of page

Number 10 Alzheimers Disease


Alzheimers disease is an incurable, progressive degenerative disease of the
brain. It is the most common form of dementia. It is not just memory loss, but
also a decline in the ability to think and understand. Consequent changes in
personality are accompanied by an inability to function. The type, severity,
sequence and progression of the mental changes vary widely among
individuals. Because age is the most important known risk factor for
Alzheimers disease, the longer people live, the more likely they are to develop
the disease.
Statistics
About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimers disease and an estimated
222,300 of them live in Illinois.
About one in 10 persons 65 years of age and older and almost half of
those 85 years of age and older will develop Alzheimers disease.
More than 70 percent of those suffering from Alzheimers disease live at
home, where the majority of their care (75 percent) is provided by family
and friends.
Unless a cure or prevention is found, an estimated 14 million Americans
will be stricken with Alzheimers disease by 2050.
A person with Alzheimers disease lives an average of eight years and as
many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.
The most common cause of death for persons with Alzheimers disease is
infection.
Symptoms
An early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease can increase the chance of potential
benefits from approved medications. It also allows that person to participate in
health care, financial and legal decisions.
Symptoms/warning signs of Alzheimers disease may include the following:
Memory loss or unexplained confusion that interferes with daily activities
Difficulty in performing familiar tasks and chores
Problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing
Forgetting words or substituting inappropriate words
Disorientation to time and place (e.g., getting lost in familiar surroundings)
Poor or decreased judgment (e.g., wearing a winter coat on a hot
summer day)
Problems with abstract thinking (e.g., difficulty balancing a checkbook)
Misplacing things in inappropriate places (e.g., putting the iron in the
freezer)
Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., rapid mood swings for no apparent
reason or cursing)
Drastic changes in personality (e.g., suspiciousness)
Lack of interest and involvement in usual activities
If several of these symptoms/warning signs are present, the person should be

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evaluated by a physician. Frequently, the early symptoms of Alzheimers


disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are mistakenly
dismissed as normal signs of aging.
Additionally, it is important to determine the actual cause of the cognitive
symptoms, as they may not be caused by Alzheimers disease and many
causes, such as depression, drug interaction, thyroid problems and vitamin
deficiencies, are reversible if detected early and treated appropriately.
Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no proven way to prevent the onset of
Alzheimers disease. However, they suggest improving your cardiovascular
function may help. Suggested steps are:
Losing weight if you are overweight
Exercising regularly
Controlling your blood pressure
Keeping your cholesterol levels in normal range
Top of page
The CDC also notes that there is some research indicating that doing
intellectually challenging activities may help delay the onset of dementia. While
there is some controversy about this research, maintaining your mental fitness
cant hurt.

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