About a Million Americans a Year Expected to Develop Dementia by 2060, Study Says
A new study has estimated that nearly a million Americans are expected to develop dementia by 2060, roughly doubling the current toll. The study found that after the age of 55, people have up to a 4 in 10 chance of eventually developing dementia, highlighting the need for continued research and public health efforts.
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed recent data from a U.S. study that has tracked the heart health and cognitive function of about 15,000 older adults for several decades. The researchers found that the risk of developing dementia changes with age, with a lower risk between the ages of 55 and 75, but a significant increase in risk after the age of 85.
The lifetime risk of developing dementia after the age of 55 was found to be 35% for men and 48% for women, with women generally living longer than men. Black Americans had a slightly higher risk, 44%, compared to white people, 41%.
While some factors, such as age and genetics, are out of an individual’s control, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing dementia. These include controlling high blood pressure and other health problems that can contribute to brain decline, staying socially and cognitively active, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The earlier we can act, the more effective we’ll be in reducing the risk of dementia,” said Dr. Josef Coresh, a co-author of the study. “What you do in midlife really matters.”
Dr. James Galvin, a University of Miami Alzheimer’s specialist, noted that dementia is a progressive loss of memory, language, and other cognitive functions, and that it’s not a normal part of aging. He emphasized the importance of controlling blood pressure, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
While dementia is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not the only type. Vascular dementia, which is caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, is a common form, and many people have a mix of causes.
The study’s findings can help guide public health recommendations and medical research, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce the risk of dementia and improve the lives of those affected by it.