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Home > Neurological Disease: Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease |
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In the United States, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every nine minutes; nearly eight more are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in that same interval. As functional independence is lost due to dementia, increasing levels of supervision are needed from professional and family caregivers. These caregivers often report a decrease in their own health and wellbeing. The consequences of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease can be seen in our communities and across the nation as workplace productivity is compromised and health care costs strain families and national budgets.
Advancing age is the most significant risk factor for neurological disease—one in eight Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and only 4% of all Parkinson’s disease cases occur in those under the age of 50. As the U.S. population begins to age at a rapid rate, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are expected to rise dramatically. Medical breakthroughs are urgently needed to halt this increasing burden. Progress in neurological disease research would likely produce health gains that far out-weigh the initial investments.
In order to promote national policies that encourage research and innovation, the Alliance for Aging Research produces The Silver Book™: Neurological Disease. All data are linked to the original on-line source where available, and are updated on a regular basis. To view the neurological disease data use the search feature above, or navigate using the toolbar to the left.
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