Investigation pinpoints 11 significant indicators linked with dementia, potentially facilitating early identification

Investigation pinpoints 11 significant indicators linked with dementia, potentially facilitating early identification

In a newly released report by the research organization RAND, significant predictors of dementia risk have been identified, offering potential ways to delay the onset and mitigate the effects of the condition in millions of Americans.

Up to two decades before symptoms appear, cognitive ability, functional limitations, and physical health can strongly predict the risk of developing dementia, according to the report.

Factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and not engaging in intellectual activities at age 60 have been identified as key predictors of dementia. Additionally, the study found regional variations in dementia risk, with individuals born in the South facing a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia.

While race and ethnicity were not independent risk factors when accounting for education and income, Black, Hispanic, and lower-income individuals showed a higher risk. Interestingly, parental health, family size, and marital history were not significant predictors of dementia.

Touching on lifestyle factors, the study found that engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining good physical health, working longer, and partaking in hobbies or activities that involve learning new things can help reduce the risk of dementia.

Another study in the report explores people's responses when facing cognitive issues. The research found that individuals with cognitive problems are more likely to seek financial help from their children and undertake practical steps like creating living wills and appointing power of attorney.

A third study highlighted out-of-pocket costs as the biggest obstacle to accessing cognitive assessments and dementia care. While 80% of Americans said they would get a free cognitive test, this number dropped by half when a $300 fee was introduced.

Two experts, not involved in the studies or the writing of the report, commented on the findings. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, praised the report for not supporting the use of amyloid medications to treat dementia and noted the significance of factors such as a stroke, poor health, diabetes, and a history of only working for a few years or not having private health insurance at age 60 in increasing dementia risk.

Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA, commended the study for highlighting modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia and emphasized the importance of adopting a lifestyle that supports brain health throughout life.

The study's limitations include the reliance on observational data, which makes it difficult to establish causation. For instance, factors such as physical activity and social engagement are associated with lower dementia risk, but the study cannot definitively determine whether these behaviors prevent cognitive decline or are simply markers of better baseline cognitive health.

Overall, the RAND report sheds light on critical factors that contribute to the risk of developing dementia later in life and presents opportunities for early intervention, expanded cognitive testing, and targeted support for at-risk individuals.

1. The newly released RAND report identifies significant predictors of dementia risk, potentially delaying its onset and mitigating its effects.
2. Cognitive ability, functional limitations, and physical health can strongly predict the risk of dementia up to two decades before symptoms appear.
3. Obesity, lack of exercise, and not engaging in intellectual activities at age 60 are key predictors of dementia, according to the report.
4. Regional variations in dementia risk are present, with individuals born in the South facing a significantly higher likelihood.
5. Race and ethnicity were not independent risk factors when accounting for education and income, but Black, Hispanic, and lower-income individuals showed a higher risk.
6. Parental health, family size, and marital history were not significant predictors of dementia, contrary to expectations.
7. Engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining good physical health, working longer, and partaking in activities that involve learning new things can help reduce the risk of dementia.
8. Individuals with cognitive problems are more likely to seek financial help from their children and take practical steps like creating living wills and appointing power of attorney.
9. Out-of-pocket costs are the biggest obstacle to accessing cognitive assessments and dementia care, with 80% of Americans stating they would get a free cognitive test, but half dropping off when a $300 fee was introduced.
10. The report does not support the use of amyloid medications to treat dementia.
11. A stroke, poor health, diabetes, and a history of only working for a few years or not having private health insurance at age 60 increase dementia risk, according to one expert.
12. Adopting a lifestyle that supports brain health throughout life is emphasized as important by another expert.
13. The study's limitations include the reliance on observational data, making it difficult to establish causation.
14. Two factors, physical activity and social engagement, are associated with lower dementia risk, but the study cannot definitively determine whether these behaviors prevent cognitive decline or are simply markers of better baseline cognitive health.
15. The report presents opportunities for early intervention, expanded cognitive testing, and targeted support for at-risk individuals.
16. Dementia risk is influenced by various medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, COPD, type 2 diabetes, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraine.
17. Preventive measures like regular exercise, fitness and exercise, nutrition, mental health care (including therapy and treatments), skin care, and addressing conditions like autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular health, psoriasis, and multiple skin conditions are crucial in managing dementia risk and overall health and wellness in men, women, and parents.

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