Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking and daily activities. It is most common in older adults, and a new study shows that Americans older than 55 have a 42 percent risk of developing the disease. This is a much higher risk than previous studies have shown and it is predicted that the number of new dementia cases per year will double by 2060. But why is this happening?
One of the biggest reasons dementia cases are increasing is that people are living longer than ever before. Age is the most prominent risk factor for dementia, and thanks to advances in medicine and healthcare, more people are reaching their 70s, 80s and beyond. While living longer is a good thing, it also means more people are entering the age group most at risk for dementia. The older a person gets, the greater their chance of developing memory-related diseases.
Another major factor is lifestyle choices. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise can contribute to conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These chronic health conditions can damage blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the brain and contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline. As rates of these conditions rise, so does the likelihood of more dementia cases in the future.
Environmental and social factors also influence dementia risk. Increased exposure to pollution, stress and a more sedentary lifestyle may be contributing to the rise in cases. At the same time, many people are spending less time engaged in mentally stimulating activities. Instead of reading, learning new skills or socializing, more people spend hours on screens. Without regular mental stimulation, cognitive decline can happen more quickly.
Although the number of dementia cases is expected to increase in the coming years and you can’t control the main risk factor—age—there are ways to lower your risk. Making small but important changes in daily life can help protect your brain health and improve your overall well-being.
Here are some tips to lower dementia risk:
- Stay physically active. Regular exercise keeps blood flowing to the brain and supports new brain cell growth. Walking, swimming and dancing are great options.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can support brain health. Limiting processed foods and sugars is also beneficial.
- Keep your mind active. Activities that challenge the brain, like reading, puzzles or learning new skills, can help maintain cognitive function.
- Stay socially connected. Maintaining relationships with friends and family can support mental health and may reduce the risk of dementia. Joining clubs or volunteering are good ways to stay engaged.
- Protect your hearing. Hearing loss in midlife has been linked to a higher risk of dementia. Using hearing aids if needed and protecting ears from loud noises can help.
- Manage health conditions. Keeping conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol under control can protect the brain. Regular check-ups with a doctor are important.
While aging is unavoidable, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on long-term brain health and may reduce your risk of developing dementia in the future.
Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital