The risk of developing dementia is higher than previously believed, with the number of cases expected to double in the coming decades, according to a new study.
The new findings suggest that the lifetime risk of developing dementia in Israel is much higher than previously estimated, and the number of cases is also expected to double.
Major risk factors for dementia include advanced age, genetic predisposition (e.g., APOE ε4), cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Maintaining brain health can be achieved through the management of modifiable risk factors, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension.
However, Professor Tanne notes that recent research suggests that approximately 50% of dementia cases are preventable or at least delayable.
According to a new study, the number of dementia cases is predicted to double in the upcoming decades, indicating that the risk of developing dementia is higher than previously thought.
It is estimated that over two out of five Americans over the age of 55 may experience dementia at some point in their lives.
Approximately 42% of Americans 55 and older are expected to develop dementia at some point in their lives, assuming they live long enough, according to a recent study that was published on January 13 in the medical journal Nature Medicine. The number of new dementia cases in the US is expected to rise from about 514,000 in 2020 to almost one million per year by 2060.
The aging of the “baby boomer” generation, whose youngest members are now over 60, is primarily to blame for this dramatic increase. All members of this generation will be at least 75 years old by 2040, which is a critical age for dementia risk.
Professor David Tanne, Chair of the Israeli Society for Cognitive Neurology and Director of the Stroke and Cognitive Neurology Institute at Rambam Health Care Campus, emphasizes the importance of these findings: “This trend is not exclusive to the United States—it is also very relevant to the Israeli population. In Israel, we use surveys that are based on dementia diagnoses that are recorded in health maintenance organizations’ (HMOs’) electronic medical records.
These figures, however, are merely the beginning. According to the latest research, dementia cases are predicted to double in Israel and the lifetime risk of getting the disease is significantly higher than previously thought. These results highlight the critical need for effective preventative and early, precise diagnosis strategies, as well as for national planning and readiness. It’s good to know that there are many things that can be done to lessen the prevalence of dementia in Israel. “..”.
The study used data from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, a long-term, community-based cohort study carried out in the United States, to calculate the cumulative lifetime risk of dementia. 15,043 participants 55 and older who were dementia-free at the beginning of the follow-up period were included in the study. The study population included 30 point 8 percent of people with at least one copy of the APOE ε4 allele, a known genetic risk factor for dementia, and 26 point 9 percent of Black participants and 55 point 1 percent of women.
As part of the research methodology, participants were tracked over a median follow-up period of 23 years (ranging from 16 to 27 years) using cognitive tests, phone interviews, medical records, and death certificates. According to the results, 42% of participants who were 55 years of age or older experienced dementia at some point in their lives. Additionally, the risks were higher for women (48 percent versus 35 percent for men), African Americans (44 percent versus 41 percent for white people), and APOE ε4 carriers (59 percent for those who had two copies of the allele versus 39 percent for non-carriers).
Professor Tanne explains, “Dementia is a gradual process that develops over many years—it does not occur overnight.”. The fact that dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of disorders that affect memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior rather than being a single illness must also be made clear. Dementia is the diagnosis made when the impairment gets severe enough to interfere with day-to-day functioning. Conversely, “mild cognitive impairment” refers to a more gradual deterioration in memory and cognitive abilities that does not interfere with day-to-day functioning. ‘”.
Additionally, the study discovered that dementia risk varies with age, with an average diagnosis age of 81 and only 17% of cases occurring before the age of 75. Because women typically live longer than men, their lifetime risk of dementia is 48 percent (roughly one in two women) compared to 35 percent (roughly one in three men).
Stroke and vascular brain disorders are the next most common causes of dementia, after neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease. A person’s advanced age and genetic predisposition are major risk factors for dementia. A. APOE ε4), diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. The risk is further increased by ailments like untreated hearing loss and head trauma.
Professor Tanne explains, “The majority of dementia cases in older age are caused by a combination of factors, such as vascular brain disease co-occurring with neurodegenerative processes that damage brain tissue.”. It is essential to preserve the health of cerebral blood vessels and avoid cardiovascular disease because vascular brain disorders play a major role in accelerated cognitive decline. “,”.
By controlling modifiable risk factors like cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension, brain health can be preserved. Over time, lifestyle changes that include quitting smoking, cutting back on sedentary behavior, keeping a healthy weight, exercising frequently, taking part in mentally challenging activities, and cultivating positive social relationships can greatly improve cognitive health.
Although age and genetic predisposition are uncontrollable factors, Professor Tanne highlights that there are numerous preventative measures that can be taken to lower the risk of dementia.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising, avoiding obesity, and successfully controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol are all components of cardiovascular health.
Nutrition: Keeping up a healthy, vitamin-and mineral-rich diet to promote mental health.
Using hearing aids to treat untreated hearing loss and keeping up social ties are two ways to prevent social isolation.
Cognitive rehabilitation is the practice of engaging in mentally taxing activities like learning, reading, and problem-solving.
Just 30% of older adults with hearing loss use hearing aids, and only 20% of adults in the US meet healthy lifestyle goals, according to researchers. The study also identifies notable racial disparities, showing that Black adults have higher diagnosis rates and earlier onsets of dementia than white adults. These discrepancies are linked to healthcare inequities, unequal access to nutrition and education, and systemic racism.
The need for culturally sensitive interventions is emphasized by Professor Tanne, who also points out that the Arab population in northern Israel has higher rates of dementia than the Jewish population: “We offer early diagnostic services for dementia throughout northern Israel and have discovered that the Arab population has higher rates of dementia than the Jewish population. Patients frequently seek medical attention at more advanced stages of dementia, which tends to manifest at younger ages. Understanding the contributing factors and offering care that is sensitive to cultural differences are our objectives. “.”.
He continues, “A number of factors, such as a higher prevalence of untreated cardiovascular diseases, possible genetic factors, and lifestyle patterns, may contribute to the elevated dementia rates in the Arab population. Neurologists who speak Arabic and services that are suitable for their culture are needed in this population. “.
“The current burden of dementia is significant, and similar to the United States, it is expected to rise sharply in Israel,” Professor Tanne emphasizes, highlighting the growing burden of dementia as life expectancy rises. In the upcoming years, managing dementia and its effects will become a major concern as life expectancy rises and we get better at managing cancer and chronic illnesses. “.
But according to new research, about half of dementia cases can be avoided or at least postponed, according to Professor Tanne. Delaying the onset of dementia by just five years, he continues, could cut the prevalence of dementia in Israel in half. This would have significant effects on healthcare systems, the economy, and society as a whole.
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Instead of depending exclusively on cognitive testing, the American Alzheimer’s Association has published new diagnostic criteria that support the use of biological markers. In addition, new biological therapies that slow the progression of the disease have become available, and other medications are in advanced stages of development. Researchers emphasize that since dementia is preventable, prevention and healthy aging must be given top priority in public policy. Daily preventive actions can greatly improve cognitive health and quality of life as people age.