A new study published in Nature Medicine predicts that over 1 million Americans will develop dementia by 2060, more than double the previous estimates. The research, conducted by a team of experts from major U.S. medical centers, found that after age 55, people face up to a 42% chance of developing dementia.
The risk of dementia is highest after age 75, but there are steps individuals can take to reduce their chances. Controlling high blood pressure and other conditions such as diabetes or obesity, being severely overweight, can significantly lower the risk. Dr. Josef Coresh, lead author of the study, emphasizes that “what you do in midlife really matters.”
Dementia is a progressive loss of memory, language, and cognitive abilities over time. It’s not a normal part of aging, but rather a disease linked to silent changes in the brain. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s, while vascular dementia is caused by heart disease or small strokes limiting blood flow to the brain.
According to Dr. James Galvin, an Alzheimer’s specialist at the University of Miami, aging itself is not a guarantee that someone will develop dementia. However, research shows that certain age groups are more susceptible, with men facing a 35% risk and women facing a 48% risk between the ages of 55 and 75.
Experts agree that there are steps individuals can take to delay or possibly prevent developing dementia, including exercising regularly, avoiding obesity, controlling blood pressure, and staying socially active. Dr. Galvin emphasizes, “what’s good for your heart is good for your brain.”
Source: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/how-to-lower-your-risk-of-dementia-starting-in-middle-age/7937612.html