Researchers with the National Institutes of Health estimate 42% of Americans over age 55 will eventually develop 1dementia. And because of the 2aging U.S. population, the number of new dementia cases per year is expected to double by 2060.
But a new study suggests many of those cases don't have to happen.
"The headline really has been that about 40%, so close to half of cases of dementia, are likely 3preventable."
Dr. Sanjay Gupta says many people believe there's not much one can do to prevent or 4reverse dementia. But the recent research is showing that may not be the case.
The U.S. based study looked at more than 2,000 people between the ages of 60 and 79 who were 5cognitively fine but weren't necessarily living a healthy lifestyle.
After being put into a 6structured program—which included regular exercise, a 7Mediterranean diet 8rich in 9plant-based foods and healthy fats, brain training, 10socialization, and health monitoring—researchers found all these changes reduce the overall 11likelihood that the participants would develop dementia.
Gupta says another study shows lifestyle changes in people who have already 12been diagnosed with 13cognitive impairment may be able to improve symptoms.
"Doing 20 weeks of a vegan diet, exercise, strength training, stress relief, online support sessions, they saw people whose symptoms either stopped, 14stalled, or even reversed."
