Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias are expected to affect about 13.9 million Americans in 2060.  That is more than double the number reported in 2014.  Currently, about 1.6% of Americans suffer the effects of the disease but that number is expected to grow to about 3.3% by 2060, using the population projections from the US Census Bureau.  Alzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death among adults aged sixty-five years or older.

According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dementia affects more women (12.2%) than men (8.6%) over the age of 65.  Numbers differ across racial groups as well: African-Americans and Hispanics have the highest rates of dementia (13.8% and 12.2% respectively), while Asians and Pacific islanders have the lowest (8.4%).  These rates are expected to increase in the coming decades.

One explanation for the projected increase in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is the simple fact that the number of seniors in America is growing.  As this disease process is associated with aging, the number of people with the disease will naturally grow along with the population census.  This is in keeping with an explanation offered by the CDC, which has drawn a link between the fact that improvement in our healthcare system and general medical advances are permitting people to live longer, thus permitting them to more readily reach an age associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  Neither of these really address the potential for a genetic link or one keyed to certain behavioral or other lifestyle choices, however.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is a fear many people have as they grow older.  Providing or finding the proper care for someone with dementia is difficult, and it is expected to get more difficult with the projected increase in demand.  Aside from the sheer numbers, dementia patients can be exceptionally challenging.  Caregivers for people with dementia have been shown to experience higher rates of depression, psychological stress, and even mortality as compared to those dealing with other conditions.  This too can produce difficulties in procuring or providing quality care to dementia sufferers.

And this is to say nothing of the family of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.  In addition to the stress of caring for a loved one without any proper training, many family members fear they are staring at their own future.  However, there is no reason to believe dementia is “inevitable.”  While the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and many other types of dementia cannot be reversed, early detection can help people and their families cope with the struggles of dementia and find appropriate care options.  Genetic testing and counseling can also be helpful, both for the patient and their care givers.  Armed with early detection and genetic information, medical providers may be better able to implement preventative action which may help to lessen the effects or slow the progression of dementia.

Research into the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types is ongoing, and continues to look into the causes, options for prevention, as well as into various treatments.  However, as a nursing home attorney Trenton trusts, the lawyers at Davis & Brusca knows well that early detection is crucial. If you have concerns about Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

At Davis & Brusca, LLC we concentrate our practice to fighting for the rights of people who suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of negligent nursing homes.  If you or a loved one have been harmed by a nursing home, call us today.  We can help.