A new study suggests Alzheimer 's may be the third - leading leading cause of death . Current figures are ` ` a gross disaster , '' Alzheimer 's Association says . In the meantime , the results might encourage more doctors to note Alzheimer 's when filling out death certificates -- something an increasing number of physicians have been doing already . The study followed 2,500 patients for 8 months ; 400 died of Alzheimer 's . Advocates hope the findings will create momentum for more research .
A new study suggests Alzheimer 's may be the third - leading leading cause of death . Current figures are ` ` a gross disaster , '' Alzheimer 's Association says . The study followed 2,500 patients for 8 months ; 400 died of Alzheimer 's . Advocates hope the findings will create momentum for more research .