More Than 90% Of Older Adults Want Information, Even Early Diagnosis, For Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias

The majority (92%) of adults over aged 65 years want information, including early diagnosis, about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, before symptoms occur according to a nationally representative survey with 1,000 older adults not diagnosed with dementia. Many (70%) hoped that early detection would offer the chance to intervene—with medications or lifestyle changes—to both delay the onset of severe cognitive impairment and allow time to plan for future long-term care needs. About 81% are concerned about developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and 75% expressed interest in learning more from their primary care professionals . . .