gave Onset of dementia Shock can occur, but various symptoms can predict the condition up to 20 years before symptoms occur.
A new study published by the RAND Corporation in California has identified several major predictors around the age of 60 that can potentially lead to cognitive impairment and dementia. Up to 80 years of age
The researchers evaluated 181 potential risk factors, including demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and health behaviors, health history, psychosocial factors, and more.
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Below are some of the strongest predictors of developing cognitive impairment and dementia at age 60, according to the report.
1. Poor physical health
2. History of stroke
3. Genetics
4. Born in South America
5. Not having private health insurance at the age of 60
6. Never working or working only a few years
7. History of diabetes
8. Having a body mass index of 35 or more
9. Never drink alcohol or drink excessively
10. Never exercise
11. Scoring low on physical tests
12. Having a low conscience
13. Less engagement in hobbies
14. Low cognitive function and engagement
Parental health, family size, Marital history And demographics were the weakest predictors, according to the study.
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In a conversation with Fox News Digital, study co-author Peter Houdomet, a RAND economist in California, shared details of the study, which worked with a large dataset and followed individuals “for decades.”
According to the research, parental health, family size, marital history and demographics were the weakest predictors. (iStock)
“Overall, we found that risk factors had a similar effect in the short and long term, which gave us confidence that the results of the previous literature may hold in the long term,” he said.
“Nevertheless, we also found some surprising results.”
Digging into dementia drivers
The researchers were surprised to find that people who never exercised were “significantly more likely” to develop dementia than those who did light exercise at least a few times a month.
“Exercising even more often (weekly or daily) had some additional benefits, but not that much,” he noted. “In other words, the main risk factor for dementia was never exercising.”
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“In fact, these behavioral factors were more important predictors of dementia than the genes themselves,” Hudomiet added.
Although a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 at age 60 was a weak predictor of dementia, a BMI of more than 35 was a “strong predictor.”
The risk of dementia was “about half that of those who did not exercise regularly,” the researcher said (not pictured). (iStock)
Never participating in academic activities had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia than participating sometimes, as well as having only zero to 11 years of education. High school or advanced degreesaid Hudomiet.
Another unexpected finding was that Americans born in the southeastern United States had a significantly higher risk of dementia than the rest of the country.
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“This difference remained robust even when our statistical models accounted for differences in income, health, and other differences between regions,” the researchers noted.
“It’s possible that the quality of education (which we couldn’t measure in our data) affects the Southeast in the US, especially among the older cohorts we analyzed.”
According to gerontologist Dr. Marcy Smith, “Less than 1% of health care dollars go toward educating the public about positive health care strategies.” (iStock)
Those who are not involved in any private Health insurance Hudomiet added that those with plans were more likely to develop dementia at age 60 than those who had coverage.
“[That’s] Partly because private health insurance helps people stay healthier longer,” he suggested.
“The choices you make now will determine how you live later.”
The results of the study show that “maintaining good physical and Mental health It’s not only beneficial for staying in shape, but also beneficial for staying sharp and delaying cognitive decline,” Hudomiet told Fox News Digital.
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Dr. Mackie P. Smith, a gerontologist in South Carolina who was not involved in the study, also reacted to the findings in a separate conversation with Fox News Digital, saying the researchers were “spot on.”
“Presenting this research information … raises a sense of responsibility for everyone involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD),” he wrote in an email response. Claims to take.”
The researcher noted that genetics is a lower risk factor than certain habits and behaviors such as exercise. (iStock)
Smith said it was “very shocking” that never. drinking alcohol Increases risk of dementia.
“It stands out to me because heavy drinking significantly increases the risk of dementia and can lead to alcohol-induced dementia,” she said.
The expert suggested that self-reported data may have led to this finding, or that red wine may have been implicated, as it has been found to contain “brain-enhancing nutrients, such as resveratrol.”
Ways to reduce risk
Although it is sometimes impossible to prevent cognitive decline, Hadomet said some risk factors can be reduced. Lifestyle changes.
These include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, getting adequate nutrition and engaging in challenging cognitive activities.
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“Healthcare providers and government should consider promoting healthy behaviors in the adult population and strengthening individuals’ access to quality. Health carewhich may reduce the prevalence and disease burden of dementia in the future,” Hadomet recommended.
“Understanding that what’s good for the heart is good for the mind and adopting a healthy lifestyle puts people in control of their brain’s destiny,” said one expert. (iStock)
Reducing the risk of dementia “doesn’t start or end,” Smith added. With medication”
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For those who are middle-aged, heeding these early predictions is a “matter of life and death.”
“It’s incumbent upon anyone with a brain to pay attention to the warning signs your body is giving you,” he said. “Your body always reminds you that your mind sometimes ignores.”
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“You have the power to control what your life looks like down the road”.
“The choices you make now will determine how you live later.”