Natural remedies are working: Dementia rates are dropping among older people who stay mentally and physically active

Cases of dementia in the U.S. have significantly dropped in the last decade. The dip is attributed to an increase in mental and physical activity among older adults, research notes. Additionally, this was observed despite the upswing of diseases previously linked to the onset of dementia such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

According to the study “A Comparison of the Prevalence of Dementia in the United States in 2000 and 2012,” it was noted that older people in this generation have increased their mental acuity, as reflected through an increase in their educational attainment. This could be a deterrent to the onset of dementia, as people with the most years of education were least likely to develop the disease. This could provide an explanation to the declining trend, as the seniors are more likely to have finished high school compared to those who lived a decade prior.

The study brings implications regarding trends in patient care and government programs and brings to the fore the largest generation of Americans entering the critical years of dementia onset. The findings may lend itself to policy-making and economic forecasting in order to properly adjust the impact brought by Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

Researchers used data and test outcomes from the Health and Retirement Study to assess trends from 2000 to 2012. A total of 21,000 people were sampled for the study. Initially, 11.6 percent of people interviewed in 2000 fulfilled the requirement for dementia. In 2012, only 8.8 percent were classified. It was noted that over the course of the study, the average number of years spent in education had risen from 12 to 13.

For the study, researchers only used the years spent in formal education as key markers. Langa notes that other physical activities that can result in brain development such as reading books, interacting with people, career development, as well as time and effort that a person spends at work may also be evident in reducing the risk of dementia. (Related: Dementia is Reversible, Part II: Natural Remedies.)

Researchers posit the link between education and dementia to the manners by which the brain is used. As the brain is challenged to be used in more developed interactions, cognitive reserves of brain pathways are formed. These pathways are what the brain uses in order to survive the onslaught of dementia in later life.

Elsewhere, dementia rates also continue to fall steadily. According to research conducted by the University College London and the University of Liverpool, an improvement in medical knowledge, as well as developments in the way people take care of themselves have contributed to the decline. In 2017, the percentage of people being diagnosed with dementia have fallen by 2.7 percent each year. Currently, there are 800,000 people with dementia in the U.K.

About dementia

Dementia is a term commonly used to describe disorders that affect brain function. People who suffer from dementia may experience memory loss, a reduced thinking speed, declining mental acuity and loss of words, among others. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia. Common illnesses linked to dementia include diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity as these diseases impair the circulation of blood to the brain. This may increase the risk of developing dementia as the brain does not get sufficient oxygenation from the blood.

There are ways to counter the onset of dementia once it appears. Some of the ways to treat it include removing gas appliances in your homes, removing mercury fillings in your body, and taking natural supplements to minimize the effect.

Sources include:

KPWashingtonResearch.org

JAMANetwork.com

Telegraph.co.uk