Dementia report unveils "alarming" indicators at age 60 that increase the likelihood of developing the disease by age 80.

Various signs could predict the onset of dementia up to 20 years before symptoms appear.

The RAND Corporation in California has published a new study identifying several major predictors that increase the likelihood of cognitive impairment and dementia by age 80, which typically occur around age 60.

A total of 181 potential risk factors were assessed by researchers, encompassing demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and health behaviors, health history, and psycho-social factors.

According to the report, some of the strongest predictors at age 60 that increase the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment and dementia include:

1. Poor physical health

2. History of stroke

3. Genetics

4. Being born in the Southern United States

5. Not having private health insurance at age 60

6. Never working or only working for a few years

7. History of diabetes

8. Having a body mass index of 35 or more

9. Never drinking alcohol or drinking excessively

10. Never exercising

11. Scoring low on physical tests

12. Being less conscientious

13. Low engagement in hobbies

14. Low cognitive function and engagement

According to research, the weakest predictors of parental health were family size, marital history, and demographics.

Peter Hudomiet, a RAND economist in California, discussed the study with Planet Chronicle Digital, which utilized a large dataset and tracked individuals for "decades."

He stated that the impact of risk factors was consistent in both the short and long term, providing confidence that the results from previous research would remain applicable in the long run.

"Nevertheless, we also had quite a few surprising findings."

Digging into dementia drivers

Those who never exercised had a "significantly higher risk" of developing dementia than those who lightly exercised at least a few times per month.

"Regular exercise, whether weekly or daily, had some additional benefits, but not a significant amount," he stated. "In essence, the primary risk factor for dementia was not engaging in any exercise."

According to Hudomiet, the behavioral factors were more significant predictors of dementia than having the correct genes.

A BMI over 35 was a "strong predictor" of dementia at age 60.

According to Hudomiet, individuals who never engage in cognitive activities have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who engage in cognitive activities occasionally. Additionally, individuals with zero to 11 years of education have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with high school or advanced degrees.

Compared to the rest of the country, individuals born in the Southeastern U.S. have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.

Despite adjusting for income, health, and other regional differences, the researcher observed a persistent differential.

"The quality of education in the Southeastern part of the U.S. may have been lower, particularly among older cohorts, as our data did not allow us to measure it accurately."

According to Hudomiet, individuals without private health insurance at age 60 had a 11% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with coverage.

Private health insurance aids in maintaining good health, thus contributing to a longer lifespan, he proposed.

"The choices you make now will determine how you will live later."

According to Hudomiet, the study findings indicate that maintaining good physical and mental health not only aids in staying fit but also contributes to staying sharp and slowing cognitive decline.

Dr. Macie P. Smith, a gerontologist in South Carolina, who was not part of the study, agreed with the findings in a separate conversation with Planet Chronicle Digital, saying the researchers were "on the money."

The presentation of researched information on the fight to end Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) increases the sense of responsibility among those involved in the fight.

Smith remarked that it is "surprising" that abstaining from alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing dementia.

She stated that excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of brain deterioration and can lead to alcohol-induced dementia.

The expert suggested that self-reported data could have led to this finding, or red wine could have been factored in, as it's been found to contain brain-enhancing nutrients, such as resveratrol.

Ways to reduce the risk

Some risk factors for cognitive decline can be reduced through lifestyle changes, according to Hudomiet.

Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming proper nutrition, and participating in mentally stimulating activities are all important for overall health.

Hudomiet recommended that health care providers and the government promote healthy behaviors in the adult population and improve individuals' access to quality health care to potentially reduce the prevalence of dementia and the burden of the disease in the future.

Smith stated that medication is not the only solution for reducing dementia risk.

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It is crucial for middle-aged individuals to pay attention to these early predictors, according to her.

"It is everyone's responsibility to pay attention to the warning signs that their body sends them," she stated. "Sometimes, our brain overlooks important information that our body tries to convey."

She stated that you possess the ability to shape your future.

"Your present decisions will shape your future life."