Good News: More Research Shows a Decline in Dementia

Dementia is considered to be one of the greatest enemies of antiaging, and one of the worst things that can happen to a person. With life expectancy rising, one of the worst things a person can say is that those living instead of dying are a burden. None of this is necessary, however, as yet another study is showing that dementia rates are falling in successive generations.

Source: Jeff Kubina (CC:2.0)

For this 22-year study, almost 1,400 participants were grouped into several categories: those born before 1920, those born between 1920 and 1924, people born between 1925 and 1929, and finally, people born after 1929. All were over 70 and did not have dementia upon enrollment. Among the 369 participants born before 1920, 73 developed dementia, or 19.8%. In the 1920-24 group, it dropped to 43 out of 285, or 15%. Then, in the 1925-29 group, dementia rates fell again to 31 out of 344 - 9%. Finally, for those born after 1929, dementia rates were only 3 out of 350, which is less than one percent! Dr. Sam Gandy, who specialises in cognitive health, says that "This is not unexpected...Similar trends have been documented in Europe", but why? The most likely cause of falling dementia rates is better cardiovascular health, leading to fewer stroke and dementia cases as blood vessel health improves.

So how can we improve our blood vessel health? Antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries, may be one of the keys. In a clinical trial, 26 people between the ages of 65 and 77 were given either 230g of blueberries in concentrated form or placebo. None consumed more than 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Before, during and after the trial, all had their cognitive function and resting brain blood flow tested. Researchers found that participants taking blueberry extract saw significant improvement in both cognitive function and blood flow, as well as other markers of brain activity. Previous studies have also shown an association between higher fruit and vegetable intake, and lower risk of dementia. This is most likely caused by increased consumption of antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, which may explain the results of the study that showed falling dementia rates. When you look at works from the 1920s and 30s, such as Agatha Christie novels, you see characters smoking in front of each other and described meals devoid of fresh fruit and vegetables. Those participants born after 1929 spent less time in such a culture, and saw increased awareness of healthy lifestyles at earlier points in their lives. Overall, the future looks encouraging for older adults, but not if there is complacency surrounding nutrition and lifestyle.