An estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer's, and that number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2050. Every 65 seconds, another American develops the disease.
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain condition that affects thinking, memory and behavior. Deaths from the disease increased 123 percent from 2000 to 2015, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
This progressive form of dementia is most common in older adults and develops in stages over time, but causes of Alzheimer's are not yet fully understood.
African-Americans seniors are about twice as likely and Hispanic Americans are about 1.5 times more likely than their white peers to have dementias, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Women comprise nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer's.
What does the latest research tell us about this disease? Are scientists any closer to finding a cure?
What are some warning signs of Alzheimer's? What does treatment look like?
What roles do sleep, stress, diet and exercise play in preventing its development?
Sunday, Feb. 24, the Glenn Biggs Institute will host a panel discussion at the Tobin Center titled “Protecting your Brain from Alzheimer’s Disease: A Panel Discussion on the Role of Sleep, Stress, Diet and Exercise.” This event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to register.
The first South Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Conference will be held Feb. 25-26 at the Wyndham Garden San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel.
Guests:
- Dr. Sudha Seshadri, professor of neurology at UT Health San Antonio and founding director of the university’s Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association
- Ginny Funk, programs and advocacy director for the Alzheimer's Association San Antonio and South Texas Chapter
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*Audio for this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24.
