What men can do about their (greater) risks from dementia
Almost 4% of men and just over 4% of women age 65 and older have been diagnosed with dementia. But how dementia plays out isn't evenly experienced between men and women. Men have substantially higher rates of hospitalization, hospice stay, and death after a dementia diagnosis than women do.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology looked at multi-year data on more than 5.7 million Medicare patients. It revealed that men may be hospitalized and die from dementia more quickly and that's because they're more likely to also suffer from cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or kidney disease. They may also have fewer caregiver resources and have behavioral symptoms that send them to the hospital more often than women.
Whatever their situation, men who are likely to develop cognition problems or dementia can reduce their risks. A new study in JAMA Network shows that regular moderate- to high-intensity physical exercise, adherence to the MIND diet, cognitive challenge and social engagement, and cardiovascular health monitoring help preserve cognition -- and when they're done in a structured, higher-intensity intervention, the results are even more positive. Check out the Alzheimer's Association's ALZNavigator at alz.org for help finding a program.
Plus: If men are obese and/or have Type 2 diabetes, another new study shows they can slash their risk for full-blown dementia and all-cause death by taking metformin for 10 years.
For dozens of other innovative, yet simple ways to protect your cognition and extend longevity, sign up for the free newsletter at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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