In a recent study, researchers looked at the health records of more than 1.3 million people in the UK who were between the ages of 65 and 99.
They focused on memory problems and difficulties with thinking—what doctors call “cognitive decline.” The study covered the years from 2009 to 2018.
Here’s what they found: in 2009, for every 1,000 older adults followed for a year, just one person was newly diagnosed with memory or thinking problems. But by 2018, that number had tripled—now three out of every 1,000 had these problems each year.
The study was led by Brendan Hallam, a Ph.D. student at University College London. He explained that this research helps us understand how common memory issues are becoming in older people and how often they can lead to dementia.
Over the past ten years, there’s been more effort to get people to talk to their doctors sooner if they notice memory issues. The study showed that people over 80, women, and those living in lower-income areas were more likely to report memory concerns to their doctors. These same groups were also more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later.
So what happens after someone tells their doctor they’re having memory trouble? The researchers found that almost half of these people developed dementia within three years. And if the person was already showing signs of mental decline, more than half of them were diagnosed with dementia in the same time period.
Professor Kate Walters, who also worked on the study, explained that if a doctor writes down a patient’s memory concerns, there’s about a 50% chance that person will have dementia within three years.
Hallam added that memory and thinking problems aren’t always signs of dementia, but they do mean the person is at high risk. That’s why it’s so important for doctors to catch these symptoms early—so they can give advice, offer support, and make a timely diagnosis.
The study does have some limits. For example, not all doctors may record memory concerns the same way, so some cases might have been missed. The researchers also said that more studies are needed to understand why some people don’t tell their doctor about memory problems, even if they’re having them.
In short, memory issues are becoming more common in older adults, and about half of those who report problems may end up with dementia in just a few years. If you or someone you know is having trouble remembering things, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Early action can make a big difference.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Dizziness upon standing may be linked to dementia risk and findings of Scientists find the ties between high blood pressure and dementia.
For more about dementia, please read studies about Early heart rhythm problem linked to higher dementia risk and findings of Green leafy vegetables may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
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