Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: Melissa Zapanta Shelton

Guest columnist Melissa Zapanta Shelton is executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland and Greater East Ohio chapters.

Currently, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, including more than 7 million Americans.

There may be 140 million people living with Alzheimer’s worldwide by 2050, including 13 million Americans.

The disease also affects the 12 million Americans who provide unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available across Northeast Ohio to help people understand Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to offer free information and support.

Alzheimer’s and dementia

The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably. They are related, but there are important