New research suggests that the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher than previously estimated, with over 42% of people aged 55 and older in the US expected to develop dementia in their later years. The burden on the US population will grow substantially over the next few decades.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that dementia cases are projected to double from about 514,000 in 2020 to around 1 million a year by 2060. This trend is driven largely by the aging Baby Boomer generation, with 73 million people born between 1946 and 1964 expected to reach age 75 by 2040.
Researchers tracked data from over 15,000 people, including more diverse groups than previous studies, and found significant racial disparities in dementia risk. Black adults are at higher risk of developing dementia, with diagnoses potentially tripling by 2060. The study also found that women have a higher overall risk of developing dementia than men.
The researchers believe that better management of lifestyle factors such as weight, diet, mental health, and hearing loss can help reduce the risk of dementia. However, experts note that many people are not meeting recommended lifestyle targets.
New diagnosis criteria published by the Alzheimer’s Association aim to catch Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages, but clinical trials have been plagued by a lack of racial diversity. The researchers call for policies that enhance healthy aging and health equity to reduce the growing burden of dementia.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/13/health/dementia-risk-cases-double-aging-us-population/index.html