The Iowa Department of Public Health says the number of residents falling victim to Alzheimer's disease continues to rise.
According to health officials, the incurable, degenerative disease now ranks fifth among the causes of Iowans' deaths. The disease in 2008 moved ahead of accidental or unintentional injuries that include motor vehicle mishaps.
Experts say increased Alzheimer's cases reflects better methods of identifying the ailment.
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Iowa executive director Carol Siple says as the baby boom generation reaches 70, 80, 90 years old, there will be more cases of Alzheimer's disease.
The data was contained in a new state report indicating the number of Iowa deaths reached a 34-year high.
A total of 28,370 deaths were reported to the state Department of Public Health last year, the most since 1974 when 38,730 Iowans died.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
According to health officials, the incurable, degenerative disease now ranks fifth among the causes of Iowans' deaths. The disease in 2008 moved ahead of accidental or unintentional injuries that include motor vehicle mishaps.
Experts say increased Alzheimer's cases reflects better methods of identifying the ailment.
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Iowa executive director Carol Siple says as the baby boom generation reaches 70, 80, 90 years old, there will be more cases of Alzheimer's disease.
The data was contained in a new state report indicating the number of Iowa deaths reached a 34-year high.
A total of 28,370 deaths were reported to the state Department of Public Health last year, the most since 1974 when 38,730 Iowans died.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
