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Fewer new cases of dementia in western industrialized countries
In recent years, reports have been published repeatedly on studies finding a steady increase in the number of patients with dementia. Researchers in Leipzig have published a study showing that there are fewer new cases of dementia in western industrialized countries.
More than a million and a half Germans are suffering from dementia
According to the German Alzheimer Society, nearly 1.6 million people with dementia currently live in Germany. Two-thirds of them are suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, it has been repeatedly predicted that the number of people affected will continue to increase – not just in Germany. According to experts, demographic trends indicate that by 2030, more than 74 million people worldwide will have dementia. However, researchers in Leipzig now report that the number of new cases of dementia is falling, at least in some industrialized countries.
Downward trend of new dementia dementia rates
According to health experts, dementia is one of the most serious diseases of the elderly.
Scientists at the University of Leipzig's Faculty of Medicine now tend to reduce dementia rates in western developing countries.
This means that seniors now age 85 are less likely to suffer from dementia than those who have reached the age of 85 a generation earlier, according to a university statement.
Changes in the incidence rates of dementia show, above all, that the risk of developing dementia can be influenced. Thus, prevention also seems possible.
The results of the scientific work were published in the journal "Clinical Epidemiology".
Living conditions can vary considerably
In order to achieve their results, the Leipzig researchers summarized in a meta-badysis the ongoing studies in industrialized countries, which examined differences in dementia rates in comparable samples with a time interval of at least ten years.
The synthesis of data from seven identified studies showed a positive evolution of new disease rates – at least in the western industrialized countries, notably France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States.
A Japanese study, however, counterbalanced this phenomenon: even in the case of an increase in the number of new cases of dementia.
As a result, it can be badumed that trends in the incidence of dementia in industrialized countries do not develop uniformly.
"Even in industrialized countries, circumstances and life experiences can vary considerably over the course of life and thus influence trends in the development of dementia differently," says Dr. med. Susanne Röhr from the Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health (ISAP).
"And despite the very favorable living conditions that typically characterize high-income countries," says the author of the study.
"However, it is still too early to reach definitive conclusions, as there are very few results available so far for other regions."
A healthy lifestyle can affect the risk of illness
As stated in the paper, changes in the incidence rates of dementia show above all: the risk of developing dementia can be influenced.
The downward trend in western industrialized countries is attributed mainly to increased education and more complex job requirements, as well as better care for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.
"More education and demanding professional activities increase the brain's resistance to dementia," says Prof. Dr. med. Steffi Riedel-Heller, director of ISAP at the University of Leipzig.
Similarly, diabetes or high blood pressure, closely related to dementia, can be better treated today.
In addition, each person can do something to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Basically, "a healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise, mental and social activities, smoking and balanced nutrition not only helps prevent cardiovascular disease, but also dementia," said Riedel- Heller.
Dementia is not curable for the moment, so prevention is of particular importance.
Absolute number of people affected by longer life expectancy
According to the Leipzig experts, little research has been done so far on how cultural and ethnic factors as well as environmental conditions or the historical context in which populations develop influence trends in the development of dementia. .
"However, there is one area in which we are seeing more and more research activities," Röhr said.
Time-trend badyzes of dementia rates in different countries and cultures help to understand under what conditions people develop dementia – and from this information, it is possible to obtain preventive information.
However, the absolute number of people affected continues to increase, mainly because of the greater life expectancy. Dementia therefore remains one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century.
"Seeing that every individual and the community can do something is a beacon of hope, which is why it's time to talk more about preventing dementia," concludes Riedel-Heller. (Ad)
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