Alzheimer's A Greater Risk Than Breast Cancer For Older Women

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is no doubt that breast cancer is one of the major health issues that women face in this country but, according to information from the Alzheimer's Association, once they're in their 60's, they are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's as breast cancer.

A woman's estimated rest-of-her-life risk of developing Alzheimer's at age 65 is 1 in 6.

There is another disturbing statistic. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and this will only worsen as the baby boomers continue to age.

The total national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's is projected to reach $214 billion this year. Research continues but thus far it has been difficult to make progress.