A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that the number of people in the U.S. population with Alzheimer’s — an estimated 6 million adults — is anticipated to increase to 15 million by 2060.
The predictions are derived from a new model in which scientists looked for individuals with potential markers of preclinical conditions resembling Alzheimer’s but had not yet developed the condition and whom they characterized as more likely to develop the disease over time, according to an NIH press release.
Leading the investigational study were National Institute of Aging (NIA) experts Dr. Dallas Anderson, program director for population studies, dementias of aging branch, division of neuroscience and Dr. Eliezer Masliah, neuroscience division director.
The researchers' multistate model took into account aspects of aging across. Additionally, the model could have the potential to calculate the effect of prevention work on the outcome of the number of cases developing in the future, according to the release.
Results of the research appeared recently in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The NIA conducts research on aging, health and well-being of older people, providing information on age-related cognitive change and neurodegenerative disease.
