One in 10 Americans over 65 has dementia, while 1 in 5 has mild cognitive decline. A Columbia University study has updated 20-year-old estimates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Americans
The research led by Jennifer J. Manly, a professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, analyzed the test results of 3,500 representative adults 65 and older. Tests included memory, attention, comprehension, and living independently.
The results indicate
- 10% of U.S. adults 65 and older have dementia.
- 22% have a mild cognitive impairment, which is considered a move to dementia.
- The rates were nearly even for men and women but higher with age.
- 3% of people in their 60s had dementia, which climbed to 35% for people in their 90s.
Such data are critical for understanding the causes, costs, and consequences of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in the United States and for informing policies aimed at reducing their impact on patients, families, and public programs,” said Jennifer J. Manly, PhD
The demographics of dementia
For older African-American adults, the rate of dementia was higher.
- 15% of older African-Americans have dementia.
- In comparison, 11% of older White adults and 10% of older Hispanic people have dementia.
- Older Hispanic adults have a high probability of mild cognitive impairment than their counterparts.
Education attainment was a factor too. For example, 13% of people without a high-school diploma had dementia. For people who finished high school or attended college, that rate decreased to 9%.
Why it matters. Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of dementia in the following way: People with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss have twofold, threefold, and fivefold increased risk.
Reduce your risk. Hearing aids promote brain health. Research confirms that when you take care of your hearing, you also take care of your brain, reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Dementia is one of the biggest health obstacles to aging well. It is irreversible, but we can reduce our risk of getting it. One important, and historically underappreciated, way of preventing it is addressing hearing loss. —Richard Sima, The Washington Post, 10/20/2022
Concerned about your hearing?
Your peace of mind starts by scheduling a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. It’s easy to find out if you have hearing loss. Don’t guess. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain
- How much hearing you’ve lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment now or later
- The most effective treatment plan
