Dementia affects a significant portion of U.S. adults over 65, with the number projected to reach 14 million by 2060. Despite some misconceptions, dementia isn’t a normal part of aging. This debilitating state can actually be caused by several factors.
Keep reading to learn more.
Age
The older people grow, the higher the risk of developing dementia. Dementia is most common among people over 65, with about one-third of people over 85 having some form of dementia. Staying proactive is key, so elders should consider having cognitive assessments every five years. Moreover, it’s essential to be familiar with the early signs and symptoms of dementia.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to a person’s health, so it’s not surprising that it can also increase the risk of dementia.
Exercising regularly and staying physically active can go a long way toward reducing your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. What’s more, an active lifestyle can delay the onset of this disease, even if you’re likely to be impacted by it due to your family history.
Hearing Loss
Experiencing hearing loss can put you at a greater risk of developing dementia. According to the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, around 8% of dementia cases can be linked to hearing loss.
LATE
LATE (Limbic-predominant age-related encephalopathy) is a common disorder among the elderly that manifests as dementia. It occurs when the TDP-43 protein accumulates in the brain. LATE typically affects adults past the age of 80, and it accounts for 15% to 20% of all dementia cases.
Genetics
People are more likely to develop dementia if it runs in their families. If your family history puts you at a higher risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s, some tests can measure your immune reactivity to this disease. Testing can help identify the early stage of these neurodegenerative processes.
Proactivity Is Key
People experiencing changes in behavior, movement, and thinking should immediately visit a primary care doctor. They can assess if a visit to a specialist is warranted.
