Hank Green
In 1984, around 30% of Americans were diagnosed with dementia by the end of their 80s. Today it’s 10%.

If rates had stayed steady there would be 17 million Americans with dementia today. Instead there are 6 million. This saves us around a trillion dollars in medical bills per year and unknowable suffering.

Every five year cohort measured has had a lower risk than the cohort before them.

We don’t know why.
May 12 at 1:25amWeb
Show threadTerrell JohnsonMay 12
This is… amazing? (In a good way, right?)
Show threadHank GreenMay 12
lol yes!!
Show threadJessica DalrympleMay 12
I'd look into HRT as estrogen has been associated with lower rates of dementia
Show threadBread OventinMay 12
@hankgreen it's gotta be the lead that they all had basically every day in their diet
Show threadNicole SimoneMay 12
Led?
Show threadMeKobiMay 12
@hankgreen weird. Good news?
Show threadjeff irwinMay 12
are microplastics the cure to dementia? @threads_nyt_pitchbot
Show threadNew York Times PitchbotMay 12
😂😂😂
Show threadDollar RevolutionMay 12
I’m sure there are a multitude of things contributing to it.

I’m sure one factor is the beginning of 2nd generation antihistamines as 1st gens like Benadryl can increase the risk of dementia.
Show threadGreg FishMay 12
I’ve read a lot about the shingles vaccine being one potential culprit…

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2025/03/shingles-vaccination-dementia.html
For those living with dementia, new study suggests shingles vaccine could slow the disease

A new analysis of a vaccination program in Wales found that the shingles vaccine not only appeared to lower new dementia diagnoses by 20%, it also helped those who already have the disease.

News Center
Show threadJake BroeMay 12
Is finally taking lead out of gasoline not a contributing factor?
Show threadLuísMay 12
@jakebroe that was also my first guess. Probably it’s not just one thing and it has a lot of confounding factors. Anyway it’s a reason for celebration, not everything is getting worse, some things improve despite our best efforts 😉
Show threadCéline CurtisMay 12
* Better treatment of blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
* Less smoking
* More education and mental stimulation
* Better nutrition and exercise awareness
* Improved stroke prevention
* Better hearing care and social engagement
* Overall healthier aging in many countries

These factors help protect the brain and blood vessels, lowering dementia risk for many older adults.
Show threadAlien software, human hardwareMay 12
@hankgreen less lead in the air is probably contributing.
Show threadNew York Times PitchbotMay 12
Looking at the current presidential approval rates, I think 30% is more correct
Show threadLuke RattaMay 12
@hankgreen
Thanks Hank. I really needed some positivity today.