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5 Million People Have Alzheimers: WXPR Program

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November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the nation.

Recently, a panel convened at the WXPR studios to talk about the disease that has more than 5 million Americans living with it, and being cared for by family and others. By 2050, the number of Alzheimer's patients could rise to 16 million. This year, the cost of Alzheimers is around $259 billion dollars and by 2050, could rise to $1 trillion.

The panelists included Marshfield Clinic Neuropsychologist Dr. Peter Keenan, Marshfield Clinic social worker Collette Zunk, Jennifer Sackett of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Northwoods and Julie St. Pierre of the Greater Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Rhinelander.

Dr. Keenan says the rise in the number of people affected is reflective of an older population...

"...the biggest risk factor we all share is getting older. In the past, we didn't have people living past 65. Now we can see what can happen to the brain in those later decades of life. Alzheimer's Disease is unfortunately one of the diseases that can affect the brain as we get into our 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond...."

Julie St. Pierre says if you think something isn't right, have it checked out...

"when I talk to families and they say, 'is what I'm seeing with my husband a little bit more than what I expect?' This is highly scientific, but I say listen to the little voice in the back of their heads and encourage them to talk to their doctor...."

The full discussion will be broadcast November 29 at 4:00 p.m. on WXPR and it will also be on the website at that time.

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