Dementia cases in the US are expected to double by 2060, with around 1 million Americans projected to develop the condition every year. According to a new study published in Nature Medicine, the risk of developing dementia after turning 55 is around 42 percent. The study found that men and women have different risks: men have a 35% lifetime risk, while women have a 48% risk due to lower death rates.
Researchers discovered that individuals with a variant of the APOE4 gene are at a higher risk of developing dementia. Controlling blood pressure and preventing diabetes can slow down cognitive decline and prevent dementia. The study highlights the need for policymakers to refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize dementia severity and provide more healthcare services for those affected.
The study also found that nearly one in five dementia cases are linked to vision impairment, suggesting that diagnosis rates could drop with better eye health. With the US population expected to experience significant cognitive difficulties after 55, policymakers must address this growing challenge.
Source: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5084957-dementia-cases-expected-to-double-by-2060-study