Researchers reported on January 13th that approximately one million Americans are projected to develop dementia annually by 2060, roughly double the current rate.
This projection stems from a new study revealing a higher lifetime risk than previously estimated: Individuals over 55 face a risk of up to 40% of developing dementia, provided they live long enough.
While this statistic is concerning, proactive measures can mitigate this risk. Managing high blood pressure and other detrimental health conditions is crucial. These steps are beneficial even when initiated in middle age.
“Our research strongly indicates that midlife choices significantly impact later-life health,” stated Dr. Josef Coresh of NYU Langone Health, a co-author of the study published in *Nature Medicine*.
Dementia encompasses more than Alzheimer’s
Occasional lapses in memory, such as forgetting names or locations, are common with age. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging; it’s a progressive decline in memory, language, and other cognitive functions. Advanced age is the most significant risk factor, and the population is rapidly aging.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form, with silent brain changes potentially beginning two decades before symptoms manifest. Other types include vascular dementia, resulting from impaired blood flow due to heart disease or strokes. Many individuals experience a combination of causes, where vascular issues may worsen existing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Assessing risk from a specific age, considering potential remaining lifespan, can inform public health strategies and research directions.
“Developing dementia is not inevitable,” cautioned Dr. James Galvin, a University of Miami Alzheimer’s specialist. While not involved in the new study, he affirmed its alignment with existing research.
Dementia risk varies by age
Previous studies estimated a lifetime dementia risk of approximately 14% for men and 23% for women. Coresh’s team analyzed more recent data from a long-term U.S. study tracking the heart health and cognitive function of about 15,000 older adults.
Crucially, they observed that risk changes across decades.
Only 4% developed dementia between ages 55 and 75, a period Coresh identifies as a critical 20-year window for brain health protection.
For those surviving common health threats to age 75, dementia risk increased—to 20% by age 85 and 42% between ages 85 and 95.
The overall lifetime risk after age 55 was determined to be 35% for men and 48% for women. This disparity is partly due to women’s generally longer lifespans, Coresh noted. Black Americans showed a slightly higher risk (44%) compared to white Americans (41%).
Strategies to lower dementia risk
Some risk factors are uncontrollable, including age and genetic predisposition (APOE4 gene variant).
However, individuals can strive to prevent or delay health issues contributing to dementia. Coresh, for instance, wears a helmet while cycling, acknowledging that head injuries increase dementia risk.
Importantly, “Cardiovascular health is crucial for brain health,” emphasized Miami’s Galvin. He recommends exercise, weight management, and controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
High blood pressure impairs cerebral blood flow, increasing risk not only for vascular dementia but also for Alzheimer’s hallmarks. Similarly, high blood sugar contributes to cognitive decline and brain inflammation.
Maintaining social and cognitive engagement is also vital, Galvin advises. Addressing hearing loss, which can lead to social isolation, is particularly important.
“Many factors are within our control, and prioritizing these is key to fostering better brain health as we age,” he concluded.