AD is one of the most prevalent dementing disorders, representing
over 50% of all dementia cases in the elderly. The incidence of the
disease is dependent on age, with the prevalence doubling
approximately every 5 years from the age of 60 (4% at 75, 16% at 85,
and 32% at 90). The impact of this insidious disease on patients,
caregivers and physicians is colossal. In addition, it presents a
tremendous economic burden on healthcare resources: an estimated
annual cost of $90 billion in the USA (direct costs $40 000 and
indirect costs $174 000 per patient). It is anticipated that the social
and economic impact of AD will reach epidemic proportions as the
aged population continues to grow.
1. Livingstone G. In: Burns A, Levy R (eds). Dementia. London: Chapman and Hall
Medical, 1994:2135.
2. Katzman R and Kawas C. The epidemiology of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
In: Terry RD, Katzman R, Bick KL (eds). Alzheimer's Disease. New York: Raven
Press, 1994: 105122.
3. World Alzheimer's Day Proclamation, Alzheimer's Disease International,
http://www.ncf carleton. ca:12345/freeport/social.services/alzheimer/adi.dir/menu