The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released findings from a study projecting that the sum of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cases in the United States is predicted to double by 2060, according to a September 21 report by USA Today. This is in addition to the already-experienced increase in Alzheimer's deaths in the US.

The total number of people expected to be diagnosed with one of the progressive brain diseases is approximately 13.9 million. ABC 13 Eyewitness News stated that the greatest number of cases projected will affect Hispanic Americans.

The increase is anticipated to occur over the next 42 years. Represented by the increase in dementia is the fact that many more people have increased life spans, living well into their older years, according to the CDC. People are surviving “other chronic diseases,” ABC 13 noted.

With respect for the future anticipated increase in case diagnoses, the 13.9 million reflects 3.3 percent of the entire projected population for 2060. The expected stats stack against case data from 2014 when five million people, or 1.6 percent of the population in the US, was living with dementia.

The breakdown of people diagnosed over age 65 illustrates that African-Americans rank with the “highest prevalence” of both Alzheimer’s and dementia, putting the number at 13.5 percent, according to USA Today.

Hispanics narrowly follow with 12.2 percent. Non-Hispanic whites come in third at 10.3 percent.

Living longer raises the odds of diagnosis

As age and longevity increase, so too do the odds of being diagnosed with one of the diseases. Early diagnosis is essential, based on statements by Kevin Matthews. He is the lead author of the study, which was published on September 20 in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Caregivers, in addition to patients, need support, Matthews stated, according to USA Today.

Not only did Matthews lead in authoring the study’s findings, but he is also a health geographer with the CDC.

Comedian Tim Conway diagnosed with dementia

As many Blasting News readers may recall from an article that was published on September 5, beloved comedian Tim Conway is among the Americans who are suffering from dementia.

Conway, who is now 84, recently underwent brain surgery and is recovering, according to a September 17 Fox News report.

Conway, known for his roles in "McHale’s Navy" and the "The Carol Burnett Show," now requires 24-hour care as an effect of medical conditions that elevate the risk of him encountering medical emergencies, according to his daughter, Kelly Conway.

Son says his father is doing better

His son, Tim Conway, Jr., shared some updates about his father on social media. For instance, he posted a video on Twitter on September 21. A caller on the "Tim Conway Jr. Show” asked him how his father is doing. He stated that his dad is in a much better condition that he was six months ago.

Fans react to the good news

Fans and followers were happy to see the news about Conway’s condition improving. Fred Herman (‏@fredherrman), for example, tweeted, “I sincerely love your dad for the constant gifts of pleasure and laughter he has always given to us.”

Conway’s fans have not been reserved in relaying their love for one of the most legendary comedic icons to make his way into millions of homes throughout the world since the days of black-and-white television. Brad Raley, who uses the Twitter handle @Streaksfriend, noted, “I grew up watching Tim Conway be the best comedian I have ever seen. Thinking only good thoughts for him and his family.”

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