New Survey Reveals the Growing Concern and Impact of Alzheimer's in U.S.

Majority of Adults Fear Disease, Want Greater Effort to Defeat It

PHOENIX, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey shows nearly half of U.S. adults have a personal connection to Alzheimer's disease. According to a national survey for the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, the results also found more than seven in 10 adults, or 218 million Americans, worry about memory loss or the disease for themselves or a loved one.

"Most Americans now realize how devastating this disease is for individuals, families and the country," said Eric Reiman, M.D., executive director of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI). "We need to marshal their awareness and concerns to push forward on the research that holds the greatest promise for stopping Alzheimer's."

As November marks National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, the survey illustrates the disease's increasing impact as the nation ages and the prevalence of Alzheimer's continues to rise, being the only condition among the top 10 causes of death that has no cure or treatment. With 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's today, the Alzheimer's Association projects the number of people living with the disease could exceed 7.7 million by 2030.

The survey, a nationally representative polling of nearly 1,500 adults, was conducted by Edge Research for the nonprofit BAI. As a leader in Alzheimer's research, treatment and care, BAI is fighting the disease through strong, collaborative efforts across private, public and philanthropic lines.

Many adults also want to keep abreast of the latest scientific news on Alzheimer's, and the survey shows that they are interested in learning about opportunities to participate in prevention studies. One of the easiest ways to do both is through the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry, a national initiative created and led by BAI in partnership with academic and research institutions across the country.

"The Registry is a way that people can immediately start to make a difference," explained Jessica Langbaum, Ph.D., who is a principal scientist at BAI and associate director with the Registry. "They can quickly and easily join this online community and help to accelerate our momentum against a disease that steals life before ending it."

Learn how you can help prevent suffering for your loved ones or even yourself by joining the registry. Visit, www.endALZnow.org/Registry

Banner Alzheimer's Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Alzheimer's research, treatment and care, has created the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry for individuals that want to help prevent loved ones or themselves from developing Alzheimer's. Many Americans want to be able to help themselves and their loved ones, including keeping informed on the latest Alzheimer's research and preventative measures, even participating in medical research. By joining the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry, individuals can ensure that we are one step closer to finding a cure for the disease.

The Registry is a shared resource and draws on the support of its other partners, the Geoffrey Beene Gives Back Alzheimer's Initiative and the Alzheimer's Research Forum, and the guidance of leading U.S. researchers and advocates, including Drs. Paul Aisen, Marilyn Albert, Jeffrey Cummings, Jennifer Manly, Ronald Petersen, Reisa Sperling and Michael Weiner.

Edge Research conducted the online survey between June 29 and July 11, 2012, with a population representative distribution sample of 1,024 U.S. adults ages 18-75. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3.1%.

SOURCE Banner Alzheimer's Institute