Are dementia rates increasing?

Why are dementia rates falling?

Research shows that falling dementia rates in North America and Europe are likely to be driven by changes in lifestyle. Stark declines in smoking rates in men, a key risk factor for dementia, is a notable trend that may have impacted falling dementia rates. ^[3]

Incidentally, declines in the dementia rate are more pronounced in men than in women ^[3].

Other steps people can take to ward off dementia and keep our brains healthy include maintaining a healthy blood pressure, drinking within recommended limits, staying mentally and physically active, tempering cholesterol intake, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. ^[3]

National Institute of Health 2016 study on falling dementia rates

A landmark NIH study conducted in 2016 found that there had been a progressive, decades long decline in dementia experience among older people in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Researchers assessed the cognitive capabilities of 5205 volunteers aged 60 and over every 5 years during four periods in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. ^[4]

Their findings included:

• A correlation between education and dementia risk. Among volunteers with a high school diploma, dementia incidence declined by 22% in the 1980s, 38% in the 1990s, and 44% by the 2000s when compared to the dementia rate in the 1970s.
• Dementia incidence across all volunteers decreased by an average of 20% across the entire period of study.
• Average age of dementia diagnosis rose from 80 in the 1970s – to 85 in the 1980s.
• Vascular risk factors (excluding obesity and diabetes) showed a parallel decline over the course of the study, which may have contributed to falling dementia rates.
• Dementia cases related to stroke, atrial fibrillation or heart failure decreased over the course of the study.

Whilst these factors indicate healthier lifestyle changes and education may positively impact the rate of dementia incidence, they are not necessarily conclusive, and further research is needed. ^[4]