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Study Projects U.S. Dementia Cases Will Double to 1 Million Annually by 2060, Affecting 42% of Adults Over 55

Jan 13, 2025, 08:00 PM

A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine projects that the number of new dementia cases in the United States will double by 2060, reaching approximately 1 million annually. This marks an increase from around 514,000 cases in 2020. The study indicates that nearly half of Americans aged 55 and older face a lifetime risk of developing dementia, with estimates suggesting a 42% chance after this age. Women are at a higher risk, with 48% likelihood compared to 35% for men. Experts emphasize the importance of midlife health choices and suggest that lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and social connections, can help mitigate the risk of dementia. The findings underscore the urgent need for policies to support healthy aging as the U.S. population continues to live longer.