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Ways to improve heart health
As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in America, experts say these small lifestyle changes can help keep your heart at its healthiest.
LOS ANGELES - A recent study highlights a sobering statistic: Americans aged 55 and older face up to a 40% chance of developing dementia in their lifetime. The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, also predict that the number of new dementia cases will double by 2060, driven by the aging population.
However, researchers emphasize that steps can be taken to reduce the risk, even in middle age. "What you do in midlife really matters," said Dr. Josef Coresh of NYU Langone Health, a coauthor of the study.
What is dementia, and who is at risk?
Why you should care:
Dementia isn’t just forgetfulness—it’s a progressive condition that affects memory, language, and cognitive function. While aging is the biggest risk factor, other contributors include heart disease, strokes, and genetic predisposition.
The study found that women face a higher lifetime risk of dementia (48%) than men (35%), partly because they tend to live longer. Black Americans also have a slightly higher risk (44%) compared to white Americans (41%), though the reasons are not fully understood.
A scan of a brain impacted by late onset dementia. (Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)
How you can lower your dementia risk
What they're saying:
Experts emphasize that many dementia risk factors can be addressed through lifestyle changes. Dr. James Galvin, an Alzheimer’s specialist at the University of Miami, advises that "what’s good for your heart is good for your brain."
This includes:
- Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Avoiding obesity.
- Exercising regularly.
- Staying socially and mentally active.
For example, high blood pressure can impair blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of vascular dementia and potentially exacerbating Alzheimer’s symptoms. Galvin also suggests addressing hearing loss with hearing aids to prevent social isolation, a known contributor to cognitive decline.
Big picture view:
The study analyzed data from 15,000 older adults tracked for decades, providing new insights into how dementia risk changes with age:
- Only 4% of people developed dementia between ages 55 and 75, a critical window for taking preventive steps.
- By age 85, the risk rose to 20%. Between ages 85 and 95, it jumped to 42%.
The findings align with previous estimates but provide more detail about how risk evolves over time.
The Source
This story is based on reporting by the Associated Press and the study published in Nature Medicine.