Ishita Roy

US Is 'Burdened By Disease', Reveals Study

In a recent study, it was revealed that the US has the longest 'healthspan-lifespan gap' among more than 180 countries. Over all, the global life expectancy has seen an increase by 6.5 years, and hit an average of 72.5 among the 183 members of the World Health Organization. This data is reported in the journal JAMA Network Open. However, during the same period, the estimate for how long a person could live free of diseases or disability increased only by 5.4 years, with an average of 63.3 years among the WHO countries. 

This has led to a 13% increase in the global gap between lifespan and healthspan, which is reflected by "the extent of lifespan burdened by disease". The gap is from 8.5 years in 2000 to 9.6 years in 2019, states the study.

Dr Andre Terzic, the co-author of the study and the Marriot family director of comprehensive cardiac regenerative medicine for the Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, said, "On one hand we celebrate the fact that humanity lives longer. Whether you’re in North America or in the rest of the world, you look into the last century and it’s amazing how mankind lives longer and continues to live longer."

“Unfortunately, the gains in life expectancy are not matched with equivalent gains in health life expectancy," explains the doctor.

Among all the WHO countries, US had the greatest disparity between life expectancy and years lived without disease or disability. 

On an average, the life expectancy in the US rose from 79.2 years to 80.7 years in women and for men, it went from 74.1 years to 76.3 years between 2000 and 2019. Which means, on an average, a person living in the US' total life expectancy would be 78.5 years, whereas the <span>healthy life</span> expectancy is only at 66.1 years. The gap between lifespan and healthspan has therefor increased from 10.9 years earlier to 12.4 years, now. This has led to a disparity of 29%, larger than the global average, which is at 13%. 

“That’s a significant departure of what could be expected for a country with such a significant expansion of life expectancy,” Terzic says. Another point of concern is that the study also showed that women in US exhibited a 2.6-year higher healthspan-lifespan gap than men, increasing from 12.2 to 13.7 years or 32% beyond the global mean for women.

As per Terzic, the widening gap between healthspan and lifespan in the US is due to the severe burden of <span>chronic diseases</span>, especially musculoskeletal conditions, mental health and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-are-the-most-abused-drugs-in-the-us-article-151101843" data-type="tilCustomLink">substance use </a>disorders.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/these-are-the-5-best-and-worst-us-states-for-mental-health-care-article-151100171" data-type="tilCustomLink">These Are The 5 Best And Worst US States For Mental Health Care</a></strong>

In a different study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund that analyzed the 11 high-income nations found that the US had the highest percentage of adults who reported receiving mental health diagnosis such as anxiety or depression at 23%. 

This was based on a 2016 survey data. Of the people survey, it was also found that 26% of US adults said they had experienced emotional distress, and thus it has marked it as the second-highest rate among countries. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

US health

US healthy lifestyle

healthy life

life expectancy in US

US diseases

chronic diseases

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

Can Vaccines Cause Chikungunya? CDC New Advisory For Travellers Says Yes

Health & Wellness

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

​Ghee For Ayurveda: Why It Should Be A Part Of Your Diet​

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer You Should Know

Yoga Poses That Can Build Core Strength

Biotin-Rich Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

Unexpected Physical Signs Of Stress

Simple And Affective Guide To Stop A Panic Attack

Signs Of Heat Exhaustion In Children

10 Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Lower Your Cholesterol With These Foods

Food Myths You Should Stop Believing

Work Stressing You Out? Tips To Handle Toxic Workspaces

Looking To Gain Weight? High-Calorie Healthy Foods To Try

​Pomegranates Are A Must For Summer, Here’s Why​

​How Does Being A Night Owl Change Your Brain​

​Can Nightlights Affect Your Child’s Sleep​

How To Decide Whether You Should Do Cardio Or Strength Training?

Enjoying Hobbies As An Adult Is More Important Than You Realize

Screentime Matters For Parents Too, Here's How It Causes Issues

Why Should We Discard Expired Prescription Drugs?

Perks Of Having Home Plants For Your Health

Signs You Are Dealing With Depleted Mother Syndrome

Protein-Rich Fruit Smoothies You Must Try

Ways You Can Reach Out To Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

These Things Are Causing You To Lose Sleep

10 Healthy Soups That Support Weight Loss

Easy Lunch Ideas For People With Type 2 Diabetes

9 Bodyweight Exercises To Boost Strength Anytime, Anywhere

Iron-Rich Foods Every Woman Should Include in Her Diet

Ayurvedic Foods To Cool Your Body Naturally

10 Ways Fluctuating Cortisol Levels Can Affect You Physically

Unexpected Factors That Affect Your Blood Sugar

Foods People With PCOS Should Avoid

Do Sleep Trackers Actually Work? Things You Should Know About

Avoiding These Proteins Is Causing Your Health To Deteriorate

Not Sure Whether It Is Fatigue Or Burnout? Answer These 10 Questions

Experiencing Drained Energy Mid-Day? 10 Ways To Fix It

In a recent study, it was revealed that the US has the longest 'healthspan-lifespan gap' among more than 180 countries. Over all, the global life expectancy has seen an increase by 6.5 years, and hit an average of 72.5 among the 183 members of the World Health Organization. This data is reported in the journal JAMA Network Open. However, during the same period, the estimate for how long a person could live free of diseases or disability increased only by 5.4 years, with an average of 63.3 years among the WHO countries. This has led to a 13% increase in the global gap between lifespan and healthspan, which is reflected by "the extent of lifespan burdened by disease". The gap is from 8.5 years in 2000 to 9.6 years in 2019, states the study.Dr Andre Terzic, the co-author of the study and the Marriot family director of comprehensive cardiac regenerative medicine for the Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, said, "On one hand we celebrate the fact that humanity lives longer. Whether you’re in North America or in the rest of the world, you look into the last century and it’s amazing how mankind lives longer and continues to live longer."“Unfortunately, the gains in life expectancy are not matched with equivalent gains in health life expectancy," explains the doctor.How healthy is US?Among all the WHO countries, US had the greatest disparity between life expectancy and years lived without disease or disability. On an average, the life expectancy in the US rose from 79.2 years to 80.7 years in women and for men, it went from 74.1 years to 76.3 years between 2000 and 2019. Which means, on an average, a person living in the US' total life expectancy would be 78.5 years, whereas the healthy life expectancy is only at 66.1 years. The gap between lifespan and healthspan has therefor increased from 10.9 years earlier to 12.4 years, now. This has led to a disparity of 29%, larger than the global average, which is at 13%. “That’s a significant departure of what could be expected for a country with such a significant expansion of life expectancy,” Terzic says. Another point of concern is that the study also showed that women in US exhibited a 2.6-year higher healthspan-lifespan gap than men, increasing from 12.2 to 13.7 years or 32% beyond the global mean for women.As per Terzic, the widening gap between healthspan and lifespan in the US is due to the severe burden of chronic diseases, especially musculoskeletal conditions, mental health and substance use disorders.ALSO READ: These Are The 5 Best And Worst US States For Mental Health CareIn a different study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund that analyzed the 11 high-income nations found that the US had the highest percentage of adults who reported receiving mental health diagnosis such as anxiety or depression at 23%. This was based on a 2016 survey data. Of the people survey, it was also found that 26% of US adults said they had experienced emotional distress, and thus it has marked it as the second-highest rate among countries. 

us is 'burdened by disease', reveals study

Health and Me

70% Of People Experience Hallucinations Before Falling Asleep, But Is It Normal?

70% of people experience hallucinations before falling asleep, but is it normal?

Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

gardening helps slow down cognitive decline

Men Shouldn't Ignore This Common Cancer Symptom That Keeps Them Awake At Night

men shouldn't ignore this common cancer symptom that keeps them awake at night

Fitness

Yoga Can Help Reduce Chronic Pain, Here's How

yoga can help reduce chronic pain, here's how

A wave of social media posts has sparked curiosity around a simple bedtime habit: switching off your Wi-Fi router at night. Some claim it boosts sleep quality, reduces headaches, and even improves mental clarity. But is there any science to back this? Here's what experts say happens when you turn off your Wi-Fi for seven nights in a row.

<h4>Does Wi-Fi Radiation Affect Your Body?</h4>

Wi-Fi routers emit non-ionising radiation — a low-level form of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) — that is widely considered safe under normal household exposure. Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetologist, and critical care specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad, who spoke to Indian Express said that for most people, turning off the router is unlikely to cause any physiological changes.

“WiFi devices emit low-level, non-ionising radiation, which current scientific consensus deems safe at everyday exposure levels,” he explained.

However, Dr Reddy noted that people who report heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields — a condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity — may experience perceived relief from symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. But clinical evidence for this condition remains inconclusive.

<h4>Is Sleep Impacted by Wi-Fi Signals?</h4>

Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, speaking to Indian Express told that most studies on Wi-Fi radiation have been conducted on animals. “There’s no conclusive evidence that Wi-Fi disrupts melatonin production from the pineal gland or interferes with human sleep,” he says.

He explains that Wi-Fi routers typically operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, which emit far less energy than a mobile phone held close to the head. At common indoor distances (1–2 metres), the signal strength drops significantly, making it unlikely to influence melatonin or sleep in any measurable way.

<h4>The Real Sleep Disruptor: <span rel="noindex">Screen Time</span></h4>

Interestingly, both doctors agree that if anything is affecting sleep, it’s likely the screen time, not the router itself. Blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and laptops interferes with the pineal gland and suppresses melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

“Disabling Wi-Fi might reduce digital engagement, particularly screen exposure late at night. That can indirectly improve melatonin production and sleep quality,” says Dr Reddy.

<h4>Better <span rel="noindex">Sleep Hygiene</span>, Not Less Radiation</h4>

While switching off your Wi-Fi router for seven nights won’t likely cause direct changes in your brain or body, it may lead to better bedtime routines. Less internet access could mean fewer late-night scrolls, reduced digital distractions, and an earlier wind-down — all of which support better sleep hygiene.

“Quality sleep enhances everything from mood and cognitive function to immune health,” Dr Reddy noted.

As per the 2020 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, titled: Spending the night next to a router – Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep, a night of Wi-Fi exposure doesn’t seem to cause sleep problems for healthy young men — but it might make very subtle changes in brain activity that scientists are still trying to understand.

Researchers studied how Wi-Fi exposure might affect sleep. They invited 34 healthy young men (average age around 24) to stay in a sleep lab for five nights. The first night helped them get used to the lab. Then, they had two test nights — each one following a “normal” night to compare results.

During the test nights, some participants were exposed to Wi-Fi signals (at 2.45 GHz, like your home router), while others got fake (sham) signals. The researchers didn’t tell the participants which one they were getting. Sleep was measured in two ways:

<strong>Subjective sleep: </strong>How well participants felt they slept (through a questionnaire).

<strong>Objective sleep: </strong>What actually happened in their brains and bodies during sleep (measured using special equipment called polysomnography).

The Wi-Fi signals did not cause any major or noticeable effects on:

<ul><li>How well participants thought they slept</li><li>The general structure and stages of their sleep (called sleep macrostructure)</li></ul>

However, a detailed look at brain activity showed a small change:

There was a slight decrease in brain wave activity in the alpha frequency range (8–11.75 Hz) during deep (non-REM) sleep when Wi-Fi was on. This change is called a reduction in EEG alpha power.

Wi-Fi signals didn’t seem to change how people felt they slept or the main parts of their sleep.

There was a small, measurable brain activity change, but it’s unclear if this has any real impact on health or sleep quality.

health and wellness

sleep hygiene

wifi and sleep

radiation from wifi

screen time

A wave of social media posts has sparked curiosity around a simple bedtime habit: switching off your Wi-Fi router at night. Some claim it boosts sleep quality, reduces headaches, and even improves mental clarity. But is there any science to back this? Here's what experts say happens when you turn off your Wi-Fi for seven nights in a row.Does Wi-Fi Radiation Affect Your Body?Wi-Fi routers emit non-ionising radiation — a low-level form of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) — that is widely considered safe under normal household exposure. Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetologist, and critical care specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad, who spoke to Indian Express said that for most people, turning off the router is unlikely to cause any physiological changes.“WiFi devices emit low-level, non-ionising radiation, which current scientific consensus deems safe at everyday exposure levels,” he explained.However, Dr Reddy noted that people who report heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields — a condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity — may experience perceived relief from symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. But clinical evidence for this condition remains inconclusive.Is Sleep Impacted by Wi-Fi Signals?Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, speaking to Indian Express told that most studies on Wi-Fi radiation have been conducted on animals. “There’s no conclusive evidence that Wi-Fi disrupts melatonin production from the pineal gland or interferes with human sleep,” he says.He explains that Wi-Fi routers typically operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, which emit far less energy than a mobile phone held close to the head. At common indoor distances (1–2 metres), the signal strength drops significantly, making it unlikely to influence melatonin or sleep in any measurable way.The Real Sleep Disruptor: Screen TimeInterestingly, both doctors agree that if anything is affecting sleep, it’s likely the screen time, not the router itself. Blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and laptops interferes with the pineal gland and suppresses melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.“Disabling Wi-Fi might reduce digital engagement, particularly screen exposure late at night. That can indirectly improve melatonin production and sleep quality,” says Dr Reddy.Better Sleep Hygiene, Not Less RadiationWhile switching off your Wi-Fi router for seven nights won’t likely cause direct changes in your brain or body, it may lead to better bedtime routines. Less internet access could mean fewer late-night scrolls, reduced digital distractions, and an earlier wind-down — all of which support better sleep hygiene.“Quality sleep enhances everything from mood and cognitive function to immune health,” Dr Reddy noted.What Does The Study Say?As per the 2020 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, titled: Spending the night next to a router – Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep, a night of Wi-Fi exposure doesn’t seem to cause sleep problems for healthy young men — but it might make very subtle changes in brain activity that scientists are still trying to understand.How Was The Study Conducted?Researchers studied how Wi-Fi exposure might affect sleep. They invited 34 healthy young men (average age around 24) to stay in a sleep lab for five nights. The first night helped them get used to the lab. Then, they had two test nights — each one following a “normal” night to compare results.During the test nights, some participants were exposed to Wi-Fi signals (at 2.45 GHz, like your home router), while others got fake (sham) signals. The researchers didn’t tell the participants which one they were getting. Sleep was measured in two ways:Subjective sleep: How well participants felt they slept (through a questionnaire).Objective sleep: What actually happened in their brains and bodies during sleep (measured using special equipment called polysomnography).What They FoundThe Wi-Fi signals did not cause any major or noticeable effects on:How well participants thought they sleptThe general structure and stages of their sleep (called sleep macrostructure)However, a detailed look at brain activity showed a small change:There was a slight decrease in brain wave activity in the alpha frequency range (8–11.75 Hz) during deep (non-REM) sleep when Wi-Fi was on. This change is called a reduction in EEG alpha power.What It MeansWi-Fi signals didn’t seem to change how people felt they slept or the main parts of their sleep.There was a small, measurable brain activity change, but it’s unclear if this has any real impact on health or sleep quality.

should you turn off your wifi router before sleep?

Riya Baibhawi

2 Overlooked Early Signs Of Dementia That Get Mistaken As Everyday Issues

2 overlooked early signs of dementia that get mistaken as everyday issues

This US County Has The Highest Rates Of Dementia - Here Is The Reason Why

this us county has the highest rates of dementia - here is the reason why

<span>Gardening</span> preserves cognitive function and may also help prevent <span>neurodegenerative diseases</span> like <span>Dementia</span>, Parkinson's Disease, among others. A new study, which was conducted by researchers in the UK, showed that those who grew and nurtured plants as well as lived in greener environments slowed down their <span>cognitive decline</span>. Intrestingly, there is already enough empirical evidence that shows plants reduce stress and improve memory and recall. 

It is because of this that many countries have care farms, which get their name from the way they serve people's impulses to work and connect with others. Speaking to the <em>BBC</em>, Henreitte Bringsjord, whose parents founded one of such farms, said, "My mum and dad loved farm work, and they thought about how hard it is for people with dementia to stop working and lose their social life. So, they wanted to help people with dementia become a part of life again." 

<h2>How Do Plants Help You Boost Neurological Pathways?</h2>

The study, which was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, stated that nature can significantly increase physical activity and social connection while reducing stress, which has multiple positive knock-on effects such as blood pressure, blood sugar control and healthy weight. According to health experts, physical activities really have immense health benefits, but gardening surcharges those.

To test the same, researchers from the University of Edinburgh investigated if there might be a link between gardening and changes in our intelligence over our lifetimes. The study compared the intelligence test scores of participants at age 11 and age 79. All the participants in the study were residents of Edinburgh and were traced throughout their lifetimes. Of the 467 people tested, almost 31 per cent had never gardened, but 43 per cent regularly did. The results showed that those who spent time gardening showed greater lifetime improvement in their cognitive ability than those who never or rarely did. "Between the ages of 79 and 90, cognitive ability, including memory, problem solving, and word fluency, generally declined across the board, but the earlier advantage of gardeners endured", researchers of the study said. 

Besides gardening, these are the activities that can also help you boost cognitive health. 

1. Physical Exercise: Improves blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis.

2. Mental Exercises: Engaging in puzzles, chess, and memory games enhances problem-solving skills and memory.

3. Reading and Learning: Reading diverse materials or learning a new language strengthens neural connections.

4. Playing Musical Instruments: Enhances cognitive processing and coordination.

5. Social Interactions: Meaningful conversations and group activities stimulate cognitive and emotional processing.

6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduces stress and improves focus and attention span.

7. Adequate Sleep: Supports memory consolidation and cognitive function.

8. Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins promotes brain health.

9. Hobbies and New Skills: Learning new skills or hobbies keeps the brain active and engaged.

10. Cognitive Training Apps: Apps designed for memory and focus training can provide structured mental workouts.

<strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/6-tips-to-take-care-of-your-gut-health-by-celebrity-doctor-steven-grundy-article-151273239" data-type="tilCustomLink">6 Tips To Take Care Of Your Gut Health By Celebrity Doctor Steven Grundy</a>

Cognitive Decline

dementia

Cognition

Neurodegenerative diseases

Gardening

Gardening preserves cognitive function and may also help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, among others. A new study, which was conducted by researchers in the UK, showed that those who grew and nurtured plants as well as lived in greener environments slowed down their cognitive decline. Intrestingly, there is already enough empirical evidence that shows plants reduce stress and improve memory and recall. It is because of this that many countries have care farms, which get their name from the way they serve people's impulses to work and connect with others. Speaking to the BBC, Henreitte Bringsjord, whose parents founded one of such farms, said, "My mum and dad loved farm work, and they thought about how hard it is for people with dementia to stop working and lose their social life. So, they wanted to help people with dementia become a part of life again." How Do Plants Help You Boost Neurological Pathways?The study, which was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, stated that nature can significantly increase physical activity and social connection while reducing stress, which has multiple positive knock-on effects such as blood pressure, blood sugar control and healthy weight. According to health experts, physical activities really have immense health benefits, but gardening surcharges those.To test the same, researchers from the University of Edinburgh investigated if there might be a link between gardening and changes in our intelligence over our lifetimes. The study compared the intelligence test scores of participants at age 11 and age 79. All the participants in the study were residents of Edinburgh and were traced throughout their lifetimes. Of the 467 people tested, almost 31 per cent had never gardened, but 43 per cent regularly did. The results showed that those who spent time gardening showed greater lifetime improvement in their cognitive ability than those who never or rarely did. "Between the ages of 79 and 90, cognitive ability, including memory, problem solving, and word fluency, generally declined across the board, but the earlier advantage of gardeners endured", researchers of the study said. Besides gardening, these are the activities that can also help you boost cognitive health. 1. Physical Exercise: Improves blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis.2. Mental Exercises: Engaging in puzzles, chess, and memory games enhances problem-solving skills and memory.3. Reading and Learning: Reading diverse materials or learning a new language strengthens neural connections.4. Playing Musical Instruments: Enhances cognitive processing and coordination.5. Social Interactions: Meaningful conversations and group activities stimulate cognitive and emotional processing.6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduces stress and improves focus and attention span.7. Adequate Sleep: Supports memory consolidation and cognitive function.8. Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins promotes brain health.9. Hobbies and New Skills: Learning new skills or hobbies keeps the brain active and engaged.10. Cognitive Training Apps: Apps designed for memory and focus training can provide structured mental workouts.ALSO READ: 6 Tips To Take Care Of Your Gut Health By Celebrity Doctor Steven Grundy

Aarushi Bhadury

Experiencing This Symptom Of Headache Could Be A Sign Of Brain Aneurysm

experiencing this symptom of headache could be a sign of brain aneurysm

Being the most common cause of <span>dementia</span>, Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memories, thinking skills and behavioral abilities. These symptoms eventually grow enough to interfere with daily tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association over seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and that number is said to increase to 13 million by 2050. Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues. 

However, are there certain places that have more people affected by Alzheimer’s? According to the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Texas has the fourth highest number of Alzheimer’s and second highest number of deaths from Alzheimer’s in the US. The Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation states that the Starr County is where 26% of Medicare beneficiaries come from. It is a rural Hispanic centric county in the Rio Grande City. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease</span>? </h2>

<span>National Institute on Aging</span> explains that one of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s is aging, most people develop Alzheimer’s when they are 65 or older with less than 10% cases happening before this. Other things include genetics, and research has shown conditions such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure could also be risk factors. 

Researchers do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's. They think it's due to clumps of proteins in the brain that damage brain cells. It's likely a mix of genes, how people live, and what's around them. However, one common factor that has been observed by the researchers is that many of these families come from poor economic backgrounds. 

Being poor might play a big role because people in poorer areas often have worse air, drive more instead of walking, have more stress, and don't see people as much. She also mentioned that there might be bad things in the water, like arsenic, that can hurt the brain. The very hot weather in Texas could also be a problem, adding stress to the body. Finally, she noted that the large Hispanic population in the area might be more likely to get dementia for reasons we don't yet know.

<h2>How Socioeconomic Background of People Affects Alzheimer's </h2>

To understand how financial backgrounds could affect Alzheimer's, a 2018 study done by the International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease showed that the number of people without jobs in a region didn't seem to change how much Alzheimer's affected lifespan. This study looked at different areas in Slovakia to see if things like how much money people have, how many people have jobs, and how much education people get affect how long people might live if no one ever got Alzheimer's disease. 

However, they found that the amount of money a region had (GDP), the average pay people got, and how educated people were, did have an impact. 

More education seemed to indirectly lead to a bigger impact from Alzheimer's on lifespan, which matches what other studies have found. Surprisingly, they also found that when wages and the overall wealth of a region were higher, Alzheimer's seemed to have a bigger effect on shortening lifespan. This is different from what other studies have suggested, where more money usually means less Alzheimer's.

US County Has The Highest Rates Of Dementia

alzheimers

national institute on aging

Highest Rates Of Dementia

Dementia

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Being the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memories, thinking skills and behavioral abilities. These symptoms eventually grow enough to interfere with daily tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association over seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and that number is said to increase to 13 million by 2050. Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues. However, are there certain places that have more people affected by Alzheimer’s? According to the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Texas has the fourth highest number of Alzheimer’s and second highest number of deaths from Alzheimer’s in the US. The Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation states that the Starr County is where 26% of Medicare beneficiaries come from. It is a rural Hispanic centric county in the Rio Grande City. What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? National Institute on Aging explains that one of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s is aging, most people develop Alzheimer’s when they are 65 or older with less than 10% cases happening before this. Other things include genetics, and research has shown conditions such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure could also be risk factors. Researchers do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's. They think it's due to clumps of proteins in the brain that damage brain cells. It's likely a mix of genes, how people live, and what's around them. However, one common factor that has been observed by the researchers is that many of these families come from poor economic backgrounds. Being poor might play a big role because people in poorer areas often have worse air, drive more instead of walking, have more stress, and don't see people as much. She also mentioned that there might be bad things in the water, like arsenic, that can hurt the brain. The very hot weather in Texas could also be a problem, adding stress to the body. Finally, she noted that the large Hispanic population in the area might be more likely to get dementia for reasons we don't yet know. How Socioeconomic Background of People Affects Alzheimer's To understand how financial backgrounds could affect Alzheimer's, a 2018 study done by the International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease showed that the number of people without jobs in a region didn't seem to change how much Alzheimer's affected lifespan. This study looked at different areas in Slovakia to see if things like how much money people have, how many people have jobs, and how much education people get affect how long people might live if no one ever got Alzheimer's disease. However, they found that the amount of money a region had (GDP), the average pay people got, and how educated people were, did have an impact. More education seemed to indirectly lead to a bigger impact from Alzheimer's on lifespan, which matches what other studies have found. Surprisingly, they also found that when wages and the overall wealth of a region were higher, Alzheimer's seemed to have a bigger effect on shortening lifespan. This is different from what other studies have suggested, where more money usually means less Alzheimer's.

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

US Is 'Burdened By Disease', Reveals Study

Quick Stories

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

This US County Has The Highest Rates Of Dementia - Here Is The Reason Why

Health Conditions A-Z

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

Can Vaccines Cause Chikungunya? CDC New Advisory For Travellers Says Yes