Early predictors of dementia are emerging as critical tools to guide health and lifestyle decisions well before symptoms appear.
Health and retirement Studywhich examined more than two decades of data from more than 45,000 older adults in the United States, suggested that lifestyle, genetics and other factors at age 60 may help predict brain health at age 80 years.
“Our research confirmed that factors such as low cognitive test scores and poor general health in one’s 60s are strong predictors of dementia later in life,” said Peter Hudomiet, a doctoral researcher and economist at RAND Corporation, which led the study. ABC News.
“We also discovered some surprising information, such as the significant protective effect of education, particularly having a high school diploma, and the increased risk associated with living in the South,” a- he added.
Among the study findings, younger older adults who engaged in physical activity and mentally stimulating hobbies appeared to have a lower risk of cognitive decline. Conversely, those who led sedentary lives and those who had few mentally stimulating interests to occupy their time were more likely to develop dementia by age 80. Excessive alcohol consumption was also bad for the brain, the study found.
“Lifestyle factors such as minimal exercise, extreme obesity and excessive or no alcohol consumption also emerged as significant contributors. These findings highlight the complex interplay of behavioral factors, social and genetic factors in dementia risk,” Hudomiet said.
According to the study, chronic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity and stroke at age 60, were strongly linked to a higher risk of dementia later in life.
Some groups were more at risk than others, such as those born in a Southern state. Black and Hispanic people were also more at risk, perhaps because they lacked access to health care, the study found.
“We see very large differences by socioeconomic status, measured in a variety of ways – for example using education, income, wealth and race. People who are less educated, less wealthy, less affluent and from “Racial minorities all face higher risks of dementia,” Hudomiet said. “However, when education and income are taken into account, racial disparities disappear, suggesting that the differences are linked to socioeconomic factors.”
That’s good news, Hudomiet said, because it means reducing disparities could help close those gaps for high-risk groups.
Although genetics and age cannot be changed, the study highlights that many other risk factors can be addressed proactively. For example, exercising regularly, finding a hobby, staying socially active, and managing chronic illnesses can all help keep the brain alert. Limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet and sleeping well also helped mitigate risks.
Kristine Yaffe, MD, professor of psychiatry, neurology and epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, said she thinks the study adds impressive evidence for real-world strategies to prevent dementia.
“The findings highlight the importance of genetics, behaviors and lifestyle factors. In particular, they highlight essential considerations for promoting brain health across the lifespan,” she said. declared.
She urged people to start thinking about their brain health early.
“We need to think more and more about ways to promote brain health, just as we focus on cardiovascular health. It’s something we should consider at every stage of life, not just when we’re older and that we start to worry about memory,” she said. .
Despite its comprehensive findings, the study does not prove that lifestyle behavior change can help prevent dementia, only that it is associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. The authors call for further research to explore targeted interventions for a wider variety of people.
An estimated 6.9 million Americans live with dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health. Those numbers will double by 2060, according to plans by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Neil C. Bhavsar is an emergency medicine resident physician at New York Presbyterian, Columbia/Cornell and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.