Aging and Obesity = Alzheimers?
Twenty years ago, the impact of aging and health was not on most people's radar screens. The Boomer generation tended to ignore the issues of getting older, long-term care, and how caregiving would impact their families and assets.
Today, most people are aware of the financial costs and burdens of aging and how getting older can lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline and physical decline. Medical science today understands the high risk of needing long-term health care, including the risk of cognitive decline. Being overweight and having diabetes might be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's.
Research published in 2022 showed that up to 18% of adults in their 40s and 50s meet the criteria for obesity or being severely overweight, placing them at high risk for dementia. This research conducted by the University of Michigan has revealed that dementia rates amongst older people are 36% higher than they were two decades ago. Scientists reviewed Medicare bills of more than three million people over age 67 who died between 2004 and 2017. They found that dementia diagnoses amongst older adults increased by 12% within 13 years, rising from 35% in 2004 to 47% in 2017.
Today's health issues can lead to a much higher risk for health and aging problems in the future. These problems lead to a greater risk for long-term health care needs.
The Obesity Link
Dr. Jeff Cummings, Director of Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, says there is an obesity link. He said Alzheimer's disease has been called "type 3 diabetes" by some professionals because of its strong connection to obesity. Diabetes elevates brain proteins that are linked to the development of the disease.
"Roughly half of the risk for Alzheimer's disease is connected to things we can't control, like age and genetics," he said. "But the other half are things that are at least partially in our control … you can reduce your risk with lifestyle modification," Dr. Cummings says.
Awareness of Longevity, Dementia and Long-Term Care
Think, for a moment, about how your health and body have changed in the past 20 years. Now, think about how your health, mind, and body will change over the next 20+ years.
About half of Americans above the age of 40 believe almost everyone is likely to require long-term care services as they age. However, not everyone thinks it will happen to them. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll says only 25 percent believe they will need long-term care for themselves.
More people today are aware of aging and dementia and the impact long-term care needs can have on their families and finances. People wonder if they can prevent or make themselves less likely to develop Alzheimer's or dementia.
A recent study published in Physiological Reports suggests that a high-fat, high-sugar diet leading to obesity paired with normal aging may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
This study provides novel information in relation to the mechanistic link between obesity and the transition from adulthood to middle age and signaling cascades that may be related to [Alzheimer's] pathology later in life.
These results add to our basic understanding of the pathways involved in the early progression of [Alzheimer's] pathogenesis and demonstrate the negative effects of an HFS diet on both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal regions.
Research Team
This doesn't suggest that you can avoid dementia or any other aging issues.
Planning for Longevity and Long-Term Care Risk
One important step that people can take, especially in their 40s and 50s, is to plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging. Health and longevity are often overlooked when putting together a retirement plan.
Some individuals think health insurance or Medicare will pay for long-term health care services and supports. Other than a limited number of days of skilled services, these plans won't pay for most long-term health care services most people will require.
Some People Deny They Will Need Extended Care - Facts Suggest Otherwise
Many individuals think they will never need extended care or, if they do, their family can provide the care. The risk of needing long-term health care is high and increases over time. You should ask yourself when you will need care and for how long. Your family usually cannot be caregivers as they have their own careers, families, and responsibilities.
Family Caregivers Face Huge Challenges
Since caregiving is hard on family members and professional care drains savings and adversely impacts lifestyle, your retirement plan needs to address these issues before you get older. The solution for many is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance. These special insurance policies provide tax-free resources for quality care, including at home.
LTC Insurance protects your 401(k) IRA SEP 403(b) and other assets from the costs associated with long-term health care. Perhaps, just as important, Long-Term Care Insurance reduces the burdens placed on loved ones as you age and need help.
Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance
Most states offer Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance plans with additional asset protection. Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance is perhaps the biggest secret in retirement planning.
You can read more about Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance. Experts suggest acting before you retire by taking advantage of low premiums and even preferred health discounts.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.