US Dementia Cases to Double by 2060; Lifetime Risk After 55 at 42%

Jan 14, 2025, 07:05 PM

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine predicts that new cases of dementia in the United States will double by 2060, reaching approximately one million new cases annually, up from 514,000 in 2020. The study by researchers at NYU Langone Health estimates that the lifetime risk of developing dementia after age 55 is approximately 42%, higher than previously thought, and reaches 56% after age 85. Women face a higher risk (48%) than men (35%), primarily due to longer life expectancy. Additionally, Black adults are projected to experience a tripling of new dementia cases by 2060 and develop the condition at a median age of 79, three years younger than white adults. Experts emphasize that midlife health choices are critical in preventing dementia and recommend lifestyle changes such as improving cardiovascular health, exercising, and preserving hearing to lower individual risk.