It looks like we’re facing a looming crisis in mental health — specifically, dementia. This condition, which gradually erodes nerve cells and impairs brain function, is caused by various diseases, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
With advancements in medicine and technology, people are living longer lives, leading to a significant increase in the global aging population. Consequently, the risk of dementia is growing rapidly.
Recent projections suggest that by 2050, we could see a staggering 139 million cases of dementia worldwide, up from over 55 million cases recorded in 2023 by the WHO. The number of individuals aged 65 and older is set to double to 2.1 billion by 2050, further exacerbating the situation.
Dementia poses serious risks, being the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major contributor to disability and dependence among older adults. Nearly 10 million new cases are reported each year.
While there’s no cure for dementia, researchers are focusing on prevention strategies. A 2023 WHO report and The Lancet Commission’s 2020 findings highlight 12 modifiable risk factors that could potentially prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide.
These risk factors include lifestyle factors such as lack of physical exercise, unhealthy diet, inadequate sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Interestingly, what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain, as many vascular risk factors for dementia overlap with those for heart disease.
Moreover, socioeconomic status and education levels play a role, particularly in early life. However, maintaining good mental health throughout life is equally crucial, as cumulative mental health symptoms increase the risk of dementia.
In essence, taking care of both body and mind can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in later life.
