The Lifelong Odds of Cognitive Decline: New Data on Dementia and MCI Risk
A major longitudinal study has provided updated lifetime risk estimates for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, extending projections beyond age 90. Analyzing harmonized data from over 4,600 participants, researchers found the lifetime risk from age 55 is 43% for incident dementia and 62% for MCI, with risks rising steeply after age 75 before potentially leveling off at the oldest ages. The study, which accounted for competing mortality risks, also revealed higher lifetime risks for women and Black participants, with exploratory analyses suggesting elevated risks for Latino individuals and those with a history of stroke.
Why it might matter to you: These precise, age-stratified risk estimates are crucial for informing public health strategy and equitable resource allocation for dementia prevention. For neurologists and researchers focused on neurodegeneration, the data underscore the imperative for culturally informed monitoring and intervention programs that address disparities in cognitive impairment trajectories. The findings provide a robust epidemiological foundation for targeting high-risk populations and evaluating the long-term impact of preventive therapies.
Source →Stay curious. Stay informed — with Science Briefing.
Always double check the original article for accuracy.