Study Finds Sex, Race, and Genetics Continue to Drive Dementia Risk in Those Over 90

A recent study of individuals aged 90 and older shows that dementia risk is still strongly influenced by sex, race, and genetics. Women and Black participants exhibited notably higher rates of cognitive decline compared to men and White participants. Despite carrying major risk factors, a subset of participants remained cognitively healthy, suggesting the presence of protective mechanisms that allow the brain to resist dementia well into advanced age. The findings highlight persistent disparities in dementia risk and point to potential biological pathways that could be targeted for prevention in the oldest populations.