44 million people in the world suffer from a significant loss of their cognitive abilities. It is estimated that the dementia cases increased by 22% the past three years. This worrying progression admitted by scientists is slightly offset by good news reported in the scientific journal New England Journal of Medicine.
Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle have analyzed several American and European studies to come to an encouraging conclusion: the incidence of dementia among people born in the first half of the 20th century is tending to decrease. In other words, neurodegeneration would appear at a later age.
“Of course people tend to live longer and the world’s population is aging, so cases of dementia are increasing. But some seem to develop them later, notes Dr. Eric Larson, co-author of the study. We have good reason to be optimistic that this increase in life expectancy benefits older people who can live longer without dementia”.
For the researchers, this gain in life expectancy in good health is made possible by a healthy lifestyle. The management of hypertension, diabetes, physical exercisethe maintenance of social activities and the fact of not smoking are all parameters that can protect against dementia.
“Our results suggest that while Alzheimer’s disease and dementias are untreatable, there are certain social and lifestyle factors that may help reduce risk.”
Previous studies have praised the benefits of certain habits, more or less original, to age better and prevent cognitive decline: running, sleep welldrink green tea, speak several languages, or even make omega 3 cures or vitamin D.