West Virginia already has a large elderly population, and it is expected to increase along with the elderly population of the nation as a whole. Since the most important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is older age, it is not surprising that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is projected to increase significantly over the next thirty-five years. This paper discusses the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in West Virginia, programs available to assist people and caregivers affected by the disease, and the associated economic burden of the disease.
Minkemeyer V, Wellman C, Goebel L. The impact of Alzheimer’s disease in an aging rural population. West Virginia Medical Journal. May/June (Special CME Issue) 2016;112(3):90-99.