Cognitive health
The ability to think, learn, and remember tends to decline as people get older. Dementia and the loss of cognitive functions is the most common cognitive health issue facing seniors. According to Alzheimers.net, nearly 44 million people worldwide had Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related cognitive diseases in 2017. Over five million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and this number is expected to rise to 16 million by 2050. Dementia-related diseases are the top cause of disabilities in older adults.
Age isn’t the only cause of dementia-related diseases. Chronic health conditions and lifestyle choices such as smoking, substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and HIV can increase the chances of developing a dementia-related disease. Having a healthy lifestyle can minimize the chances of developing a cognitive health issue. There is no cure for dementia, but there are medications that can slow down the progression of the disease.
