Dementia is becoming more common around the world. A new study says that in the US, the number of people with dementia may double by 2060.
This could mean one million new cases every year. Right now, there are about 500,000 new cases each year. The study links this increase to an aging population in the US. Other countries are seeing the same trend.
Dr. Josef Coresh, an expert from New York University, says that half of all Americans over 55 may have some memory problems.
The study looked at data from over 15,000 adults. It found that the risk of dementia after 55 years old is 42 percent. This is higher than previous estimates. The risk is even greater for those over 75 years old, reaching 50 percent.
Women and Black adults have a higher risk than men and White adults. The study highlights the need for better healthcare to address these issues.
Vocabulary List:
- Dementia /dɪˈmɛnʃə/ (noun): A decline in cognitive function affecting memory thinking and social abilities significantly enough to interfere with daily life.
- Aging /ˈeɪ.dʒɪŋ/ (adjective): Becoming older; often associated with increased risk of health issues.
- Population /ˌpɒp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
- Risk /rɪsk/ (noun): The chance or probability of loss danger or adverse effects.
- Healthcare /ˈhɛlθˌkɛər/ (noun): The organized provision of medical care to individuals or communities.
- Highlight /ˈhaɪ.laɪt/ (verb): To emphasize or make something stand out.
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