Lifetime Dementia Risk: 42% Post-Age 55
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January 14, 2025
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3 min
A community-based study published in Nature Medicine reveals that after age 55, over 40% of adults will develop dementia. Women, Black adults, and those carrying the APOE ε4 gene variant face substantially higher risks. The study also projects a doubling of new dementia cases in the U.S. by 2060, with women facing a 48% lifetime risk compared to 35% for men and Black adults showing a 44% lifetime risk versus 41% for White adults. The study emphasizes the importance of prevention, healthy aging, and health equity in addressing the increasing risk of dementia.
1. Over 40% of adults will develop dementia after age 55. 2. Women face a 48% lifetime risk of developing dementia compared with 35% for men. 3. Black adults showed a 44% lifetime risk versus 41% for White adults. 4. Carrying 2 copies of the APOE ε4 gene variant leads to a 59% risk. 5. The median age of dementia diagnosis was 81 years. 6. Dementia incidence remains low between ages 55-75 but increases after age 75. 7. The study used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, tracking participants from 1987 to 2020. 8. The researchers emphasize the importance of prevention, healthy aging, and health equity in addressing the increasing risk of dementia.
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