A recent study published in Nature Medicine estimates that nearly half of Americans over age 55 will develop dementia, with the number of new cases expected to double by 2060. Researchers at New York University and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed data from over 15,000 individuals aged 55 and found that a lifetime risk of dementia is estimated to be 42% after age 55.
The study also revealed significant variations in dementia risk among different demographics. Women had a higher lifetime risk due to survival to older ages, with 48% developing dementia by the time they reached age 85. Those with two copies of the APOEε4 gene variant were found to have a lifetime risk of almost 60%.
The researchers used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and applied their estimates to future population projections. They project that the number of new dementia cases in the US will reach approximately 1 million by 2060, doubling the current annual total.
These findings highlight the need for strategies to prevent dementia and provide more support for those affected. The study’s lead author noted that policymakers must refocus their efforts on minimizing dementia risk and improving healthcare services for those with dementia.
The study was funded by multiple NIH agencies, including NHLBI, NIDDK, NIA, and NINDS.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/risk-future-burden-dementia-united-states