A new study reveals that nearly 40% of people over 55 may face dementia risks, but there are ways to reduce this likelihood.
Washington: A recent study shows that about a million Americans could develop dementia each year by 2060. That’s a big jump from today’s numbers. Researchers found that after turning 55, people have a 40% chance of developing dementia if they live long enough.
It sounds scary, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. Keeping your blood pressure in check and managing other health issues can help. And it’s never too late to start, even if you’re in your middle years.
Dr. Josef Coresh from NYU Langone Health, who helped with the study, emphasizes that what you do in your 50s and 60s really matters. It’s important to know that dementia isn’t just about forgetting names or where you left your keys. It’s a serious condition that affects memory and thinking skills.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, but there are others too. For instance, vascular dementia happens when heart issues or strokes affect blood flow to the brain. Many people might have a mix of these issues, which can make things worse.
Looking at the risk from age 55 onward helps guide health recommendations. But remember, just because the odds are high doesn’t mean you will definitely get dementia. Dr. James Galvin, an Alzheimer’s expert, points out that these findings align with other research.
The risk of dementia changes as you age. Previous studies suggested that about 14% of men and 23% of women would face dementia in their lifetime. But Coresh’s team found that only 4% of people between 55 and 75 developed dementia. However, if you make it to 75, the risk jumps to 20% by age 85 and 42% by age 95.
Overall, the lifetime risk after 55 is 35% for men and 48% for women. Women tend to live longer, which explains the difference. Interestingly, Black Americans have a slightly higher risk at 44% compared to 41% for white Americans.
While some risk factors like age and genetics are out of your control, there are still things you can do. For example, Coresh wears a helmet while biking to avoid brain injuries that could lead to dementia later on.
Dr. Galvin stresses that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol are key. High blood pressure can affect blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Staying socially and mentally active is also important. If you have hearing loss, consider using hearing aids to avoid isolation. There are definitely things within our control that can help keep our brains healthy as we age.
