Dementia cases continue to rise in the US, with people over the age of 55 facing a 42% risk of developing the condition for life.
A recent study led by Johns Hopkins predicted 500,000 people Cases of dementia By 2025 and 2060, there will be 1 million yen per year.
That doesn’t mean people are helpless at reducing risk, according to Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and associate professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
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Salinas joined Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview to discuss what drives spikes in cases of dementia, and what some behavioral change could provide some degree of cognitive protection. (See the video at the top of the article.)
Dementia driver
He says that demographics are one of the biggest factors behind the increase. Salinas also says he is co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health, a virtual memory clinic for brain health and memory issues.
Dementia cases continue to rise in the US, with people over the age of 55 facing a 42% risk of developing the condition for life. (istock)
“One of the largest groups, the baby boomer population, is Fastest Aging Group“He told Fox News Digital.
Age is certainly the biggest risk factor, he noted.
“After age 65, our risk starts to increase. By the time we reach the ’80s, that risk is about one in three people,” he said. “And after age 85, it goes even higher and starts to get closer to one in two.”
“We know that many non-socially involved individuals are at higher risk.”
The neurologist said the pandemic could have played a role as well.
“This is still understood, but COVID-19 (COVID-19) It also affected the blood vessels in the body and brain,” he said.
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Research also shows that loneliness and social isolation can increase one’s risk Cognitive decline.
“We know that many non-socially involved individuals are at higher risk,” Salinas said.
A recent study led by Johns Hopkins predicted 500,000 dementia cases in 2025 and 1 million dementia cases per year by 2060. (istock)
“There’s still a lot going on to understand chicken and eggs. Are you developing the disease and showing symptoms of loneliness faster than others, or it’s loneliness and social isolation that increase your risk. I think it’s probably both.”
There is a genetic component of dementia, the neurologist said, but the good news is rare.
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“If you think about risks and protective factors like seesaws, these are rare. Genetic variation It may outweigh the protection you do, but the good thing is that they are rare and therefore there may not be any risk of them,” he said.
“So there is a genetic risk that could possibly be at a certain level due to protective factors.”
Actions that reduce risk
A major study published in the Lancet last year found that nearly half of cases of dementia are potentially preventable. Lifestyle modifications.
Appropriate nutrition and exercise at the top of the list, he said there are many different factors to deal with.
“Obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, affects blood pressure, heart disease and brain health,” the neurologist said. (istock)
According to neurologists, using hearing aids to deal with hearing impairments can also keep dementia at bay.
Stop smoking And limiting alcohol consumption can also promote prevention to ensure that you get a good quality sleep.
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Entering a specific stage of sleep called “slow wave” or “stage 3” can help clear the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain, Salinas said.
“If someone has it Sleep problems“We send them to meet sleep experts to do the right test. “Obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, affects blood pressure, heart disease, and brain health. And it’s something that’s treatable.”
The female gynecologist smiles as she explains the test results to the patient. (istock)
Either way Healthy behaviorconsistency is important.
“To be less likely to develop any of these conditions, or at least less likely to delay the onset of symptoms, is to put an odds on your favor,” Salinas said.
“It’s never too late to take on them, but each time you start them, the more consistent you are with them, the bigger your return will.”
Early detection is important
Salinas cited a study showing that 92% of people with mild cognitive impairments are not diagnosed.
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“That’s when we really want to intervene, but most of the time people are diagnosed when the condition is moderate to severe.”
Although it can be difficult to distinguish between the normal effects of aging and the early signs of dementia, Salinas has summoned several important differentiators.
“To be less likely to develop any of these conditions or at least delay the onset of symptoms, it’s putting odds in your favor.”
“We’re struggling more Memory and thoughts As we get older, it should never be until we interfere with our daily functions,” he said.
It’s normal to experience “blips” from time to time, he said, forgetting your keys, slamming a celebrity’s name, walking into a room, not remembering why you came in.
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“But if you see it happening much more frequently over time, it’s getting worse, it might suggest that it’s out there Neurodegeneration And it’s not just normal or typical aging,” advised Salinas.
To ensure early diagnosis and intervention, Salinas recommends talking to your health care provider as soon as you notice atypical symptoms.
“Not all physicians and healthcare providers are the same,” the neurologist said. “The general story we’ve heard is that people’s symptoms are dismissed.” (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, file)
“It’s important to take them seriously, but not everything Doctor or provider He warned.
In this case, Salinas suggests getting a second opinion, if possible, from a neurology expert.
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“There’s more and more you can do to manage your symptoms early on,” he said.
“And at least, if there are conditions without treatment, health information is empowered to help you make better decisions and plan for the future.”
