Newborn Generations Face Lower Dementia Risk Than Their Grandparents, Study Finds
Major Global Study Reveals Decline in Dementia Risk Among Younger Generations—Especially Women.
Watan-A new study has found that newborn generations are less likely to develop dementia at any age compared to previous generations, with this trend being particularly noticeable among women.
According to The Guardian, the study analyzed data from over 62,000 people aged 70 and above, collected through three long-term surveys conducted in the U.S., England, and parts of Europe.
Researchers developed an algorithm that factored in participants’ responses to questions on daily functional challenges and cognitive test scores to assess their risk of developing dementia.
Participants were categorized into eight different generational cohorts, and the researchers found that although dementia prevalence increases with age in all cohorts, individuals from more recent generations were consistently less likely to develop dementia at the same age compared to older generations.
Dr. Sabrina Lenzen of the University of Queensland, co-author of the study, noted:“In the U.S., for instance, 25.1% of those born between 1890 and 1913 had dementia by age 81–85, while only 15.5% of those born between 1939 and 1943 did at the same age.”
Similar trends were observed in both Europe and England.
Key Findings
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57 million people globally are currently living with dementia
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7% of cases occur in people under 65
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The reduction in dementia risk is especially evident in women
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One possible reason: greater access to education for women during the mid-20th century
Researchers wrote that the results suggest:
“Younger generations are less likely to experience dementia at the same age as their parents or grandparents—an encouraging sign for the future.”
The study highlights the role of education, improved healthcare, and cognitive engagement as potential factors contributing to this decline. While dementia remains a major public health concern, the findings offer hope for healthier cognitive aging in generations to come.
