Preventing Dementia

Even though one out of ten Americans aged 65 and older has dementia, a new study shows that half of dementia cases can be delayed or are preventable! That’s like heart disease where a person can greatly reduce their risk by managing factors such as weight, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.  

Most dementia is Alzheimer’s disease where the brain has an accumulation of amyloid plaques and twisted versions of the protein, tau. It damages brain cells and keeps them from communicating with other cells. And family members start to see the impact when the damage is to parts of the brain involved in memory, judgment, or motor skills.  

Only three treatments are approved for dementia, and none are cures. One is a specialized antibody that removes amyloid plaques and slows cognitive decline. Non-drug therapies can also slow decline.  

The new study follows 14 risk factors that help in other chronic diseases. Drink less alcohol, don’t smoke, watch your weight, exercise and control blood sugar. It’s also important to avoid social isolation which involves correcting vision or hearing loss. Limit exposure to air pollution. Traumatic brain injury and low educational attainment are also risk factors.  

By 2050, the population of people over 65 will grow to 80 million, which means there will be more of us with dementia. Most will be women. In total, dementia will be a major cost to society and families.