Dementia Risk Declines Across Generations, Study Shows
New research reveals a noteworthy generational decrease in dementia risk, particularly among women. This finding, drawn from studies across several countries, suggests a positive trend in cognitive health for more recent birth cohorts, offering crucial insights for healthcare planning.
Study Findings: A Clear Trend
A recent cross-sectional study indicates a significant reduction in dementia prevalence among those born later. Those born between 1944 and 1948 showed a lower risk of the disease than those born from 1919 to 1923. This was consistent across the US, Europe, and England. The research, which used data from the US Health and Retirement Study, the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe, and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, also highlighted a more pronounced decline in dementia risk for women compared to men.
Methodology and Scope
The study examined over 82,000 individuals aged 71 or older. The researchers used algorithms and machine learning to identify potential dementia cases within the datasets. The participants were grouped into age groups and birth cohorts, with analyses adjusted for age and period effects. The data included diverse birth cohorts, offering a broad perspective on the prevalence of dementia across different generations.
Exciting new research shows that the risk of dementia is decreasing in more recent generations. This is great news for public health, but we need to find out why so we can accelerate this progress. https://t.co/U59tXG7L9u
— Alzheimer’s Society (@alzheimerssoc) February 6, 2024
“The generational decrease in dementia risk has important implications for healthcare planning, long-term care policies, and workforce requirements in aging populations,”
—Xiaoxue Dou, Centre for the Business and Economics of Health
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that in 2024, 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia (Alzheimer’s Association).
Regional Variations
The study also provided specific point estimates for each region. In the US, the risk reduction was significant, -0.55 versus -0.18. European data reflected a similar trend with a reduction of -1.49 versus -0.24. England showed a decline of -0.48 versus -0.23, respectively. These variations offer insight into the impact of different healthcare systems and lifestyle factors.
Study Limitations
The study had limitations, including data gaps in some surveys, particularly missing waves. The study design also didn’t explore underlying causes for the reduction in dementia rates, and underestimation due to mortality between data collection waves. Further studies are needed to pinpoint the driving factors behind these positive trends.
This research, led by Xiaoxue Dou, underscores the dynamic nature of dementia prevalence. The findings offer a foundation for further research into preventive measures and interventions, potentially improving health outcomes across the lifespan.