More American adults may develop dementia than previously thought, according to a new study published this month. The number of Americans who will develop dementia—a progressive decline in memory, thinking skills,

New research suggests that the risk for developing dementia is significantly higher than previously estimated, and the burden on the United States population will grow substantially over the next few decades.

The number of annual new dementia diagnoses is projected to rise from approximately 514,000 in 2020 to about one million by 2060.

Recent headlines suggest that up to 42% of people ages 55 and older face an eventual dementia diagnosis. But some experts have a follow-up message: Risk isn't the same as destiny, and there are ways to reduce it.