A new report from Washington revealed that the number of Americans developing dementia is expected to double by 2060, reaching about a million cases annually. The study indicates a higher lifetime risk of developing dementia after the age of 55, with up to a 4 in 10 chance if individuals live long enough.
While the statistics may seem alarming, there are steps that can be taken to reduce this risk, such as managing high blood pressure and other health issues that are detrimental to brain health. Dr. Josef Coresh of NYU Langone Health emphasized the importance of actions taken in midlife, stating that they significantly impact the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging but rather a progressive decline in memory and cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s is the most common form, with changes in the brain starting years before symptoms appear. Vascular dementia, caused by conditions like heart disease or strokes, is another type that can compound Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Analyzing data from a long-term U.S. study, researchers found that dementia risk varies with age, with a significant increase after the age of 75. The study highlighted that men have a 35% lifetime risk of dementia after 55, while women face a 48% risk. Factors like genetics and age play a role in dementia risk, but lifestyle choices like exercise and managing health conditions can help reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.
In conclusion, while the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise in the coming years, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their brain health and potentially lower their risk of developing this debilitating condition.
The high blood sugar of poorly controlled diabetes is linked to cognitive decline and damaging inflammation in the brain. Stay socially and cognitively active, too, Galvin said. He urges people to try hearing aids if age brings hearing loss, which can spur social isolation. “There are things that we have control over, and those things I think would be really, really important to build a better brain as we age,” he said.
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