Could this medicine help you?
Before we dive into the results of the recent study, let’s first take a look at what dementia is and how it affects people.
In a nutshell, dementia is a disease that affects a person’s memory, concentration, thinking, and judgment.
Alzheimer's disease takes a long time to develop; the silent brain changes that eventually lead to Alzheimer’s can start up to two decades before symptoms appear.
The term dementia is an umbrella term, meaning that there are lots of different types. The most common, and probably the best-known, is Alzheimer’s disease.
Another common type of dementia is vascular dementia, which happens when blood flow to the brain is impaired, either by heart disease or a series of small strokes.
It is important to note that in many people with dementia, there are multiple causes. For example, someone could have vascular problems that exacerbate their Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Scientists have known for some time now that the risk of developing dementia increases with age. The new study, however, sheds more light on this topic.
In the study, researchers tracked the heart health and cognitive function of around 15,000 older adults over the course of several decades.
Only 4% of the participants developed dementia between the ages of 55 and 75. One of the researchers in the study described that period as a "key window" for protecting brain health.
According to the results of the study, the dementia risk then jumped to 20% by age 85, and to 42% for people aged between 85 and 95.
In general, the lifetime dementia risk was higher for women, but that is because women tend to live longer than men.
The Boomer generation, which encompasses people born between 1946 and 1964, is the second largest generation in the US after millennials.
In 2020, for example, there were around 73 million Boomers living in the US. In 2025, the youngest of them are at least 60 years old.
Given that the risk of developing dementia increases with age, the projected rise in the number of cases can largely be attributed to the fact that the population is aging.
By 2040, all those Boomers will be older than 75, after which age the likelihood of developing dementia was shown to increase dramatically.
Given this explanation for the rise in figures, the situation seems a little less daunting.
It is understandable, however, that people should be concerned about dementia and keen to know what they can do to limit their risk.
The first thing to note is that a person’s risk of developing dementia is in part determined by their genetics.
Research shows that there is a particular gene called APOE that puts older adults at a higher risk of developing dementia.
Older adults with only one copy of the gene have a 48% risk, whereas those with no copy have a 39% risk.
While the risk of dementia is largely driven by age and genetic factors, there are nonetheless certain lifestyle choices you can make to improve your chances.
One of the most important things you can do is to wear a helmet when doing activities such as bike riding.
Studies have shown that suffering repeated or severe brain injuries as a result of crashes or falls can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia in later life.
It is also important to take proper care of your heart as well as your head. Experts are keen for people to understand that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain.
Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you avoid obesity and control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk.
Neglecting to control your blood pressure can impair blood flow to the brain, which is a risk factor for developing vascular dementia.
The high blood sugar in a person with poorly controlled diabetes has also been linked to cognitive decline and inflammation in the brain.
Last but not least, it is important to stay active, both cognitively and socially, as well as physically.
If you become hard of hearing, don’t be afraid to use a hearing aid. Not hearing properly can lead to fewer social interactions and increased isolation.
Sources: (EuroNews) (CNN)
See also: These heart issues could be early indicators of dementia risk
Indeed, older adults with two copies of this gene, which is involved with carrying cholesterol and other fat through the bloodstream, have a 59% risk of developing dementia in older age.
According to research published in January 2025, the number of dementia cases is set to rise in the coming decades. Indeed, the number of people in the US that are diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease is expected to double by 2060, reaching around one million cases per year.
Although there are genetic factors that influence the likelihood of a person developing dementia, there are also certain lifestyle choices we can make, particularly during mid-life, if we want to reduce the risk.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
Research shows dementia cases are on the rise
Numbers could double by 2060
HEALTH Cognitive
According to research published in January 2025, the number of dementia cases is set to rise in the coming decades. Indeed, the number of people in the US that are diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease is expected to double by 2060, reaching around one million cases per year.
Although there are genetic factors that influence the likelihood of a person developing dementia, there are also certain lifestyle choices we can make, particularly during mid-life, if we want to reduce the risk.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.