This article from Consumer Reports got me genuinely upset - Lifestyle Changes Could Cut Dementia Cases, New Study Says: Here Are Nine Things You Can Do to Help Lower Your Risk.
Let's start with the basic math. The article says that Alzheimer's affects about 14% of Americans aged over 71 - so that's 14 people out of 100 over 71-years old. Then the article says that researchers have identified 9 key risk factors "that together could account for 35% of cases." So 35% of 14 people - that's basically 5 people. Small but still 5% of 100 people over 71-years old is significant.
What are these 9 key risk factors that I can try to change to mitigate my chances of dementia if by chance I am in that affected 5% of the population over 71 in America?
Well the first key factor is "limited education" prior to age 18. Well fuck - I went to college but the people who didn't what are they supposed to do? Create a time machine to remedy their limited education?
If you're middle aged (45-65) Consumer Reports suggests you avoid high blood pressure, obesity and going deaf. No shit Sherlock! Couldn't stop thinking that if I were obese, deaf and had high blood pressure there's a good chance I wouldn't even make it to 71-years old to be part of this damn stupid report in the first place.
Oh and if you're over 65-years old the "expert" writer at Consumer Reports says these are the things to avoid to help ward off dementia; smoking, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, and diabetes! Surprised they didn't add in getting hit by a bus or any sources of major brain trauma while they were listing things everyone knows should be avoided.
They would have been much better off just saying "try to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep." But no they had to come out with this click-bait bullshit instead. I think the reason I got so upset is because I used to respect Consumer Reports so much. Now?
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