New Study Reveals Lifetime Dementia Risk Higher Than Previously Estimated

Research predicts U.S. dementia cases will double to 1 million annually by 2060, driven by aging populations and health disparities.

A study published in Nature Medicine estimates that 42% of Americans aged 55 and older will develop dementia in their lifetime, up from previous projections of 14-23%.
By 2060, annual dementia diagnoses in the U.S. are expected to rise from 514,000 in 2020 to approximately 1 million, primarily due to an aging population.
Black Americans, women, and individuals with the APOE e4 gene face higher lifetime dementia risks, with Black Americans' annual cases projected to triple by 2060.
The study highlights structural racism, health disparities, and access to care as contributors to elevated risks for certain groups, alongside genetic and lifestyle factors.
Experts emphasize the importance of preventative measures, including managing blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss, as well as promoting healthy diets, exercise, and cognitive engagement to lower risks.