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Dramatic rise in dementia numbers in Sweden

Published: 13 Feb 12 12:19 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/39078/20120213/

Every second Swede is at risk of developing dementia, according to a new study from Umeå University, which concentrated on the 85+ population in northern Sweden.

“Over five or seven years, the number of dementia cases grew by 40 percent,” said Yngve Gustafson, Professor of Geriatrics at Umeå University, to Sveriges Television (SVT).

In the project, called ‘The Gerda Study’, scientists carried out a re-testing and re-evaluation of ten year old preliminary tests, carried out by the university, and led by project leader Martin Gustafson.

The findings led researchers to conclude that the risk of developing dementia has soared in Sweden in recent years, and that the numbers are still rising.

The results also showed, somewhat surprisingly according to researchers, that coronary surgery also increases the risk of developing dementia.

The scientists noted that this is due to the increase in heart surgery today compared to the early 2000s.

Martin Gustafson stressed that these results shine a new light on previous statistics, and call for a closer look into pre-considered notions of dementia causes in Sweden.

“For these numbers to make sense, we must re-evaluate earlier prognoses. Previous calculations over the number of people with dementia seem absolutely out of accordance,” he said to TT news agency.

The study will be completed at the end of the summer; however, the results so far indicate a steep increase in both dementia and depression in the over-85 age group, according to the scientists.

The tests were carried out on elderly residents of Västerbotten county, in northern Sweden, and Österbotten in Finland.

The Local/og (news@thelocal.se)

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05:13 February 14, 2012 by TheWatchman
That's rather strange.
07:01 February 14, 2012 by Douglas Garner
I wonder how much of the depression and demensia is related to boredom or lack of stimulation? I bet they will also find a correlation as to how involved the senior is with family members.
08:44 February 14, 2012 by karex
#2

I think that you have a point there. Everything which is not stimulated deteriorates. Young children deteriorate by the hour parked in front of computers or TV all day. Having said this, the older a person gets, normally the greater the risk of dementia. As vessels get old and frail, they can't carry as much oxygen anymore (biggest cause of dementia). Exercise (even light) can help improve the situation dramatically. People who receive love and attention and have ompanionship also are at a much lower risk of suffering from depression.

What I find strange is their correlation to heart surgery.
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