If You Have Alzheimer's Disease, Chances Are, You Might Not Even Know

New information released by the 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report on Tuesday showed that just about 45 percent of those dealing with the degenerative brain condition are aware of the health problem.

"These disturbingly low disclosure rates in Alzheimer's disease are reminiscent of rates seen for cancer in the 1950s and 60s, when even mention of the word cancer was taboo," Beth Kallmyer, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer's Association, said in a statement.

The findings are rather eerie as it shows that many of the patients are unaware of just what exactly is happening to their bodies, preventing them from taking an active role in the future planning of their treatment and essentially, their life.

Furthermore, the report showed that when patients or even caregivers are informed about the disease, it's mostly at a point where the problem has progressed significantly so. However, Alzheimer's diagnoses are generally done out of concern for the patient's emotional well-being as they are distressing and healthcare professionals want to avoid that as much as possible.

However, regardless of emotional outcomes, the Alzheimer's Association advises that an individual's, diagnosis should be standard practice and carried out in a rather supportive, sensitive and timely manner.

"The findings from this report [also] shine a light on the need for more education for medical students and practicing health care providers on how to effectively make and deliver an Alzheimer's diagnosis," added William Klunk, M.D., Ph.D., Medical and Scientific Advisory Council chair at the Alzheimer's Association.

Statistics show that about 5.3 million Americans will be living with Alzheimer's disease in 2015. By mid-century, estimates suggest that one American will be developing the disease ever 33 seconds.