However, Alzheimer’s isn’t just a U.S. problem. It’s a global challenge that threatens to create huge burdens for countries that have older adults as an increasing share of their overall population.
A new study published in the journal EBioMedicine takes a look at one such country: China.
The study’s authors offer a troubling outlook for the country. They predict that the prevalence of the disease could quadruple by 2050, mainly due to increases in longevity. The potential annual costs, which they deem as conservative, could top $1 trillion.
While the scenario they present isn’t encouraging, they do note that there are ways to mitigate these impacts:
“Significant investment in research and development (medical and non-medical) is warranted and international researchers and national authorities should therefore target development of effective AD treatment and prevention strategies.”
You can read the study here. Also to learn more about the latest in Alzheimer’s disease research, visit the ACT-AD Coalition website.