As first reported by Nikkei Asia, a new study by researchers at Stanford University and the University of Tokyo, the number of dementia patients in Japan is expected to decrease from 5.1 million in 2016 to 4.65 million by 2043.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and used advanced statistical techniques to make their projections. They found that improvements in medical care and lifestyle factors, such as increased physical activity and better nutrition, are likely to contribute to the decrease in the prevalence of dementia in Japan.
Interesting Findings
The research, based on the analysis of data from Japan, indicated that the number of people with dementia in the country could drop from 5.1 million in 2016 to 4.65 million by 2043. This surprising finding was the result of the incorporation of health status and educational history into the research.
The study found that, for males, the percentage of those who have dementia after the age of 65 was only 1.4% for college graduates, 7.7% for high school graduates, and 25.6% for those with lower levels of education.
For women, the respective figures were 15.4%, 14.8%, and 24.6%. These results suggest that the higher the level of education, the less likely a person is to suffer from dementia.
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Dementia Cases
According to the latest Statista estimates, the number of individuals affected with dementia will reach 139 million by 2050. This is a huge increase from the current global figure of 55 million people diagnosed with the condition.
Dementia is a term that refers to a loss in cognitive function, which includes memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. It is more frequent in older people, but it can occasionally arise in younger people owing to genetics or injury. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
The predicted rise in dementia cases is worrying because there is presently no cure, and treatment choices are limited. While research into novel treatments and maybe a cure is progressing, the burden on people living with dementia and their caregivers is expected to rise in the coming decades.
More About Dementia Research
While the exact connection between education and dementia remains unclear, there is evidence to support this link. In advanced economies, the percentage of older people with dementia has decreased in recent years.
A study led by economist Peter Hudomiet of the U.S. thinks tank Rand Corp. found that the ratio of people with dementia among those aged 65 or older fell from 12.2% in 2000 to 8.5% in 2016 in the United States.
Hudomiet's team believes that improved educational levels contributed to this decrease, as both male and female college graduates have increased.
While education may be a factor in reducing the risk of developing dementia, it is not the only one. Various factors, including brain damage from waste proteins, high blood pressure, and depression, can cause dementia.
As such, there may be other options for preventing or treating the condition. However, given the lack of definitive treatments for dementia and the potential benefits of education in reducing the risk of the disorder, efforts must be made to provide equal educational opportunities to all members of society. This could be achieved through social reforms to promote education and reduce inequality.
