In 2021, an estimated 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases that affect cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities.
With Dementia cases estimated to double by 2060, how can we aim to get ahead of a potentially life-threatening diagnosis?
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for the deterioration of one’s memory, language, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life. The most common diseases that cause dementia include vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and, most recognizable, Alzheimer’s disease.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia symptoms are progressive, meaning symptoms tend to start slowly and gradually worsen over time. Early signs of dementia may include changes in mood or behavior, which may go unnoticed until memory problems begin to present themselves.
Early signs of dementia can include:
- Losing or misplacing items
- Forgetfulness
- Getting lost while walking or driving
- Confusion, even in familiar places
- Difficulties in problem-solving or decision-making
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Dementia Rates are on the Rise, but Why?
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, about 42% of the U.S. population over the age of 55 will develop dementia in their later years.
As the population ages, the number of people diagnosed with dementia is expected to double to about one million cases a year by 2060.
So, the question is, why are dementia rates rising at an alarming pace?
There are several factors attributed to the rise in dementia cases, but the most prevalent are due to increased life expectancy and an aging population. Dementia presents the most significant risk to the older population, and as advancements in healthcare and living conditions have led to longer lives, more people are living into the age range where dementia presents a higher risk.
Other factors that can contribute to the rise in dementia include environmental and health factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and diet, along with managing hearing loss and mental health.
Researchers within the study stated, “Accumulating data from clinical trials have linked healthy lifestyle behaviors, the absence of vascular risk factors, and hearing rehabilitation with improved cognitive outcomes.”
The research findings suggest a need for policies that enhance healthy aging to help reduce the ever-present danger of a dementia diagnosis.
Can a Full-Body MRI Scan Diagnose Dementia?
As the dangers of dementia loom for an aging population, is there a way to get ahead of a diagnosis?
As a matter of fact, yes.
Advancements in healthcare technology have not only allowed us to live longer but have also given us the ability to take a proactive approach to our healthcare.
If you present a reasonable risk of developing dementia, a whole-body MRI scan may be the answer. A whole-body MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the body’s internal structure.
A full-body scan can detect changes in the brain, from areas where the brain has atrophied or shrunk to slight changes in your brain’s blood vessels.
With the ability to screen for nearly 500 health conditions across 13 organ systems – including the brain – we can monitor the health of your brain and help rule out underlying conditions that may be affecting its cognitive function.
Don’t Wait For a Late-Stage Dementia Diagnosis – Take a Proactive Approach to Your Health Today
As the seventh leading cause of death on a global scale, a late-stage dementia diagnosis leaves no room for proactivity or potential treatment.
But it doesn’t have to be.
At MRI Wellness, our goal is to empower individuals to take a proactive approach to their healthcare. Your health deserves the best, and for us, that means an MRI experience engineered for accuracy, speed, safety, and comfort.
Schedule an appointment for a full-body MRI in Charleston, SC, today, and take the first step in getting ahead of a life-changing diagnosis.
