A new study indicates that the average lifetime risk of dementia for those over 55 is approximately 42%. It is estimated that by 2060, around one million adults in America could be diagnosed with dementia every year. This number is a much greater increase than originally anticipated, with past studies having estimated the risk to be up 14% in men and 23% in women.
Dementia Risk Among Americans
Dementia is a broad term for a number of neurological diseases that impair the ability to think and memory. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, contributing to 60-80% of cases in the US. Alzheimer’s disease affects around 6.7 million Americans over the age of 65. The increase in dementia risk is in part due to the aging of the American population, with Baby Boomers approaching old age in the coming years. By 2040, everyone in that group will be at least 75 years old. Even if the real number of dementia cases ends up being lower than the revised projection, the number of people affected will still climb significantly. This is because of the growing number of older individuals, both in America and globally.
Inclusion Of Diverse Participants
An aging population is not the only factor that could have increased the projected amount of dementia cases, though. Past studies had mainly focused on white subjects, whereas African Americans were also included in the new study. According to the study, African Americans have a greater chance of developing dementia, though researchers have yet to discover why this is the case. The study revealed that African Americans were also more likely to develop dementia at a younger age than their white counterparts. According to the New York Times, the number of African Americans diagnosed with dementia is anticipated to triple by the year 2060. This is partly due to the fact that this part of the population is growing faster than the white part when it comes to living to an old age.
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Women Are At Higher Risk
According to the study, women also have a higher overall risk than males. The research revealed a 48% risk for women vs 35% for men. This is mostly because women tend to live longer than men. However, researchers are looking into whether genetic or hormonal factors are also involved. More than half of the participants of the study were females and 27% of the participants identified as black. Scientists analyzed data collected from more than 15,000 individuals over a period of three decades. They focused on people in the 45 to 64 age group who did not have any signs of dementia when the study started.
Not An Inevitable Part of Getting Old
While these numbers may seem troubling, less than 50% of those who make it to 95 years of age will develop dementia. According to a neurologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Andrea Bozoki, “Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging, no matter how old you are.” There are also certain dementia risk factors that are out of one’s control, no matter the lifestyle you lead. For example, your chances of developing Alzheimer’s increase if you inherited APOE3, a specific genetic variant.
Preventing Dementia
While some factors may be out of your control, there are risk factors that are manageable. You can keep your cognitive health in optimal shape by staying engaged socially, eating healthy and nutritious food, getting proper sleep, keeping blood pressure under control, and avoiding head injuries by wearing a helmet. Quitting smoking as soon as you can also helps prevent cognitive decline as well as exercising regularly. The more you work your brain, the better the chances of maintaining good cognitive health.
The Bottom Line
Dementia is a growing concern, particularly as populations age and risk factors become more apparent. While genetics and age play important roles, recent research has revealed disparities in risk based on gender and race, emphasizing the need for more inclusive investigations. However, dementia is not an inescapable part of aging, and making proactive lifestyle choices can dramatically lower the risk. Individuals can defend their cognitive health by being socially and mentally active, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and regulating crucial health concerns such as blood pressure. As research continues, raising awareness and implementing early intervention strategies can help reduce the burden of dementia on individuals, families, and healthcare systems globally.