A new estimate shows that Alzheimer’s is responsible for more than six times as many deaths each year as officials thought. Typically, coroners list only the most immediate condition as a person’s cause of death on a death certificate. But a new study suggests that this practice can lead to a drastic under-reporting of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers estimate that Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is responsible for some 500,000 deaths a year in the USA (about 20% of all deaths), more than six times the official estimate of 83,000 deaths in 2010.
Applying the current death estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the report Alzheimer’s was responsible for 503,400 deaths 2010.
Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have been historically under-reported. Swallowing disorders and malnutrition can lead to pneumonia, a common cause of death among Alzheimer’s patients. While pneumonia would be listed as the cause of death, it wouldn’t have happened if the person had not had Alzheimer’s.