The majority of Americans don't understand the toll Alzheimer's disease can take on a person, or that the disease ranks among the top 10 causes of death, according to a newly released poll conducted by the Alzheimer's Association (AA).

Although there is no cure for the disease - which causes progressive deterioration of memory, cognitive ability and other brain functions - researchers are studying methods to help delay onset or slow its progression. The neurological disorder is not a natural part of aging. Families whose loved ones have the disease know the heartache of slowly watching their spouse, parent or friend forget a lifetime of memories and who they are while losing the ability to feed, bathe or groom themselves.

According to the National Institutes of Health an estimated 4.5 million people have Alzheimer's disease, although estimates from the AA put the number closer to 5 million. Some experts believe the numbers could swell to 16 million to 20 million by 2050 as the baby boomer generation enters old age. Currently, 5 percent of adults over age 65 have Alzheimer's and nearly half of people over age 80 have the disease.

The poll indicated that nearly half of Americans (49 percent) did not realize that Alzheimer's patients lose control of their bodies and 87 percent did not know it is among the top 10 leading causes of death. In 2004, the most recent year for which figures are available, Alzheimer's was the fifth leading cause of death among people over 65 and the seventh leading cause of death overall, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly half of the people polled said they knew someone with Alzheimer's. Only 20 percent of Americans believe they themselves will develop the disease, but 70 percent said they were personally concerned about Alzheimer's. However, the poll also found that people are optimistic about the future of Alzheimer's research. Sixty percent said they were hopeful scientists will find treatments or a cure in their lifetime.

The poll of 1,232 adults was conducted online in February using a representative sample of respondents.

Although researchers do not know what causes Alzheimer's, studies indicate that some people may be more susceptible to the disease than others. These include people with family members who have had the disease and people who have suffered severe head injuries during their lifetimes. Growing old is perhaps the most significant risk factor, however people as young as 30 have been diagnosed with the disease.

A new study published in the April 18 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience showed that eating a diet rich omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fish, eggs, organ meats (i.e., liver), micro-algae and certain fortified foods may help prevent Alzheimer's from developing later in life. Researchers from the University of California Irvine studied three groups of mice and found that those given supplements of an omega-3 fatty acid had lower levels of the two proteins believed responsible for brain lesions that lead to Alzheimer's.

Keeping Your Brain Healthy

Experts recommend keeping mentally and physically active as you age to help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. This may include:

• Stimulating the brain with crossword and other word or math puzzles.


• Staying socially active with friends and family and reducing stress levels.


• Getting regular exercise -- even if it is just a 30-minute walk -- to encourage good blood circulation to the brain.


• Eating healthy foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat but high in foods containing antioxidants (i.e., dark vegetables and fruits).

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