Future Dementia Cases Predicted to Double, Many Preventable

A new study shows that the risk of developing dementia at any time after age 55 among Americans is 42 percent. That's more than double the risk reported by older studies. Compare that with today's rate where about 10% of Americans over 65 have dementia. So this new study predicts a huge increase!

What many don't know, however, is that the causes of dementia are often actually preventable. Autopsies reveal that about half of all cases of dementia that had been diagnosed as caused by Alzheimer’s turn out to be wrong. Instead, they discovered that other health issues had caused their dementia. And often those issues were treatable.

As the NYU Langone press release notes "Beyond aging, a high risk of dementia is linked to genetic factors, as well as high rates of hypertension and diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and poor mental health." Add hormonal issues, poor hearing and vision, chronic pain and nutritional deficiencies, and one can see that most of these risk factors are preventable.

Dementia Is Largely Preventable

Simple measures to help ward off dementia can make all the difference. I call it the "DEMENTIA prevention protocol," where DEMENTIA stands for:

Drugs

Many cases of dementia are actually side effects of medications—often ones that are no longer even necessary. That's why it's important to regularly review your medications with your doctor to see what can be safely reduced or discontinued. For example, common drugs like antihistamines and PPI acid blockers have been linked to a significantly higher risk of dementia. Safer alternatives, such as Pepcid, are available and don't carry the same risk.

Emotional

Don't overlook the basics: make sure you're getting enough quality sleep and rule out depression, both of which can significantly impact memory and cognitive function.

Metabolic

Hormonal imbalances—particularly low thyroid and testosterone—can sharply increase the risk of Alzheimer's, even when blood test results appear "normal." What matters most is optimizing these hormone levels, not just falling within the standard range.

Ears, Eyes, and Exercise

Hearing and vision loss can often look like dementia—but they're usually treatable. Be sure to get both checked regularly. And don't underestimate the power of a simple walk in the sunshine—it boosts both mood and brain health.

Nutrition

The typical American diet loses up to 50% of its vitamins and minerals during food processing, which makes high-potency multivitamin support essential. Pay special attention to vitamin B12—levels should be above 540—and be sure your multivitamin includes enough folic acid, as low folate is strongly linked to a much higher risk of dementia.

It's also important to cut back on sugar and white flour, which can worsen insulin resistance. The good news? Moderate enjoyment of coffee, tea, and even dark chocolate is actually associated with a lower risk of dementia.

For those dealing with chronic pain, over a dozen studies show that the supplement PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) can reduce pain by more than 50%. Even more promising, early research suggests it may benefit people already living with dementia.

Tumors and Other Brain Lesions

If someone is showing signs of dementia, it's important to get an MRI or CT scan to rule out other possible causes—like brain tumors—that can mimic or contribute to cognitive decline.

Infections

Hidden infections—like low-grade urinary tract or sinus infections—can quietly drain mental sharpness and worsen cognitive function without obvious symptoms.

Anemia and Other Underlying Medical Issues

These can significantly impact brain health. It's important to get checked, as both low and high iron levels have been linked to worsening dementia.

By addressing each of these "DEMENTIA" factors, "we can help prevent many cases of dementia—or at the very least, slow its progression and reduce its impact.