Alzheimers — how much of a problem?
Published in
Nov 30, 2022
Is Alzheimers really the problem it’s cracked up to be?
People are living longer than ever. If you’re 80 and a woman you’re statistically likely to live to 90; a bit less if you’re a man. An adult over 80 has just a 15% chance of getting Alzheimers.
Only if you live in an advanced economy, obviously.
Elsewhere, you’re likely to live a much shorter life. But it likely won’t be Alzheimers that gets you. It’ll be a lifetime of poor health; or a lack of food or security.
Is the preponderance of Alzheimers articles in the media just another First World Problem borne of lucky people not giving that much of a toss what’s going on in developing countries once they’ve made their annual donation to some charity or other?
[secret answer: yes]
