Alzheimer’s on rise, especially in Wisconsin

Disease will increase by 18% by 2025.

Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise and it’s the sixth-leading cause of death in Wisconsin.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates the disease will increase by 18 percent in the next eight years for those 65 and older in Wisconsin.

By the year 2040, that number will climb to more than 213,238.

According to the CDC, the national average is 25 of every 100,000 people, while Wisconsin is 29.1 per 100,000.

Part of the Wisconsin Dept. of Health s spreading awareness about the impact of the disease. 

For someone like Dr. Steven Loepfe from Mayo-Franciscan Health Care in La Crosse, that lack of awareness is difficult to accept.

“It’s been frustrating trying to get practical solutions,” he said. “We’re having to use medications that are 10-15 years old. We need a lot more research on this to try and help sort things out.”

Most people live 10-14 years after diagnosis. Loepfe says keeping your mind active as you age is the best tool to fight the disease.