Dementia rates ‘fall by 15% each decade’

HEALTHIER lifestyles mean the chance of developing dementia is falling by 15% each decade, research suggests.

While the number of people with dementia is still rising due to the growing and ageing population, an individual is less likely to suffer from the condition than they were.

Experts believe plummeting smoking rates in the past 25 years and better management of strokes and heart disease are responsible.

But they fear that the obesity epidemic may reverse this trend.

A team at Harvard School of Public Health combined the results of five studies of nearly 60,000 people across Europe and the US. They calculated that dementia rates have declined by 15% every ten years since 1988.

Harvard professor Albert Hofman, presenting his findings at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference yesterday, said: ‘Looking over three decades, the incidence rate of dementia in Europe and North America seems to be declining by around 15% per decade.

‘This finding is more pronounced in men than women and is likely to be driven by changes in cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle. While many people may have been persuaded to stop smoking due to an increased risk of cancer or heart disease, it is also a key risk factor for dementia.’ But Professor Hofman added: ‘With other dementia risk factors such as obesity and diabetes on the rise, this apparent decline in dementia rates may not continue for long.’

An estimated 55,000 Irish people live with dementia – the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease – but this is expected to double by 2036. Dr Carol Routledge, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘There is robust evidence that what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. As well as maintaining a healthy blood pressure, best current evidence suggests not smoking, only drinking within recommended limits, staying mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping cholesterol levels in check can all help to keep our brains healthy as we age.’

‘Obesity epidemic may reverse this’