A recent study identifies early warning signs of cognitive decline in mid-life, offering hope for prevention through lifestyle changes and medical interventions
Dementia is a devastating condition that impacts almost 10% of older adults in the U.S. With that, it’s understandable to want to do what you can to lower the risk of developing it in the future.
Identifying Strong and Weak Predictors of Dementia
A recent study by economists at the nonprofit research organization RAND analyzed data from about 20,000 people who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, a long-term, nationally representative study of Americans over the age of 50.
The researchers looked at 181 potential risk factors, and then estimated how likely they are to predict dementia and cognitive impairment for people two, four, and 20 years after they turn 60.
The economists found several different associations for predicting dementia, including a person’s baseline cognitive abilities, health, and functional limitations. However, some other factors didn’t have as much of an impact.
The study identified strong predictors of dementia, which include:
- Having poor physical health
- History of having a stroke
- Not having a private health insurance plan at age 60
- No work experience, or only a few years of work
experience - Having diabetes or a body mass index of 35 or more at 60
- Never exercising
- Scoring low on physical tests, including breathing, grip strength, walking speed, and balance
- Never drinking alcohol
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Not having a responsible personality
- Having certain genes
- Not really having hobbies or doing activities that promote learning
On the other hand, weak predictors of dementia include:
- Parental health
- Family size
- Marital history
- Race and ethnicity
Expert Insights on the Study’s Findings
Medical specialists who work with dementia patients say the findings are similar to what they see in practice. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, appreciates that the report breaks down risk factors that are easy to understand. He also flagged a history of stroke, poor health, and diabetes as being strongly linked to dementia, based on his practice.
Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA, points out that the findings are observational, which makes it tough to say that certain behaviors or habits actually cause dementia. Still, he says many of the predictors from the study seemcorrect.
Taking Action to Lower Your Dementia Risk
Keeping your brain and body active is important for lowering your dementia risk, Segil says. That means doing things like having a good physical exercise routine, working, having hobbies after you retire, and trying to be in good health “are likely to prevent someone from developing dementia,” he says.
And, of course, if you’re concerned about your dementia risk or have a family history of the disease, talk to a doctor. They may be able to provide personalized guidance to help lower your risk.
