Dementia affects nearly 55 million people worldwide, with approximately 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. This progressive syndrome impairs cognitive function beyond what is expected from normal aging, affecting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, and behavior.
While age remains the strongest risk factor, emerging research suggests that up to 40% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications.
Understanding these preventative strategies can significantly impact your brain health as you age. The Dementia Challenge Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-70% of cases, while vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia represent other common forms.