These eye-opening numbers are a result of a study of more than 3,500 people done by Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Conducted between 2016 and 2017, the Health and Retirement Study analyzed data from these individuals to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in the U.S. And when you combine these results with population projections and increasing life expectancy world-wide, it’s not hard to understand the many challenges we might face as a result of dementia in the coming decades. It’s been projected, that by 2050, there will be a least 115 million people affected by it.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive function, i.e. thinking, remembering and reasoning. This happens when a brain’s nerve cells stop functioning properly, lose connections with other brain cells, and die. But, it doesn’t happen to everyone.

Forgetting things once in a while is normal. But, when memory problems make it difficult for you to do everyday activities like driving or using the phone, or it interferes with your quality of life, that’s when it is cause for concern.

It might be time to talk to your doctor if you or a loved one:

• Asks the same question over and over
• Gets lost in familiar places
• Finds it difficult to follow directions or recipes
• Gets confused about time, people or places
• Does not take self-care (eating poorly, not bathing, behaving unsafely)

So how do we fight back and help our brains stay healthier, longer?

Brain change is inevitable, but it is possible to focus on cognitive fitness to help keep your brain healthier, longer.

• Ask your doctor for a review of your potential risk factors—the earlier the better.
• Don’t put off focusing on your cognitive health which can actually be fun and enjoyable. Attend lectures and workshops. Make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Volunteer. Travel. Visit museums and historical sites. Play games. Learn a new skill. Read. The more you do, the sharper you’ll keep your brain.