Menu search Home Promotions Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Monday, November 01, 2021 Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. It starts with occasionally misplacing items and forgetting things. Then it progresses into confusion, inability to carry on a conversation, and not recognizing people. Alzheimer's disease is a thief. It attacks brain tissues, stealing the ability to remember and think. Most people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's are over the age of 60. However, it is estimated that five percent of the American population has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's as early as 40 years of age. Facts about Alzheimer's disease 5.7 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer's kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's. The number of estimated Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's will be 14 million by the year 2050. There are treatments to relieve symptoms and temporarily slow the disease, but there is no cure. If you are concerned about Alzheimer's disease, contact your physician. Additional health and wellness information If you're a Highmark member, you have access to a secure, members-only website that provides information about Alzheimer's disease. To access your Highmark member website, select the service region noted on your member ID card. After logging in, select the "Wellness" tab and type "Alzheimer's" in the search field. Customer Service 1 (800) 241-5704 COVID-19 RESOURCES About Highmark Be Informed Related Sites Highmark is a registered mark of Highmark Inc. © 2021 Highmark Inc., All Rights Reserved. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves the 29 counties of western Pennsylvania and 13 counties of northeastern Pennsylvania. Highmark Blue Shield serves the 21 counties of central Pennsylvania and also provides services in conjunction with a separate health plan in southeastern Pennsylvania. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia serves the state of West Virginia plus Washington County. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware serves the state of Delaware. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York serves eight counties in Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York serves 13 counties in Northeastern New York. Each of these companies is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross, Blue Shield and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.