Who is considered to be at the highest risk of developing dementia?

The individual identified as the highest risk for developing dementia is the 66-year-old Black woman with hypertension. Age is a significant risk factor for dementia, and as individuals grow older, their risk increases markedly. In this case, the woman is already in an age group where dementia prevalence is notably higher.

Moreover, the presence of hypertension further elevates her risk. Hypertension, particularly in midlife and later years, is associated with changes in blood vessels and brain health, which can contribute to cognitive decline and the development of dementia. Research has shown that managing cardiovascular health can significantly impact cognitive outcomes, highlighting the severity of having hypertension as a risk factor.

In contrast, younger individuals, such as the 30-year-old male and the 45-year-old White male, are generally at a much lower risk due to their age and absence of health issues that typically correlate with cognitive decline. The 50-year-old Asian woman, despite being older, has no reported risk factors; hence her risk remains lower compared to those with significant risk factors like hypertension. Therefore, the combination of advanced age and hypertension places the 66-year-old Black woman at a higher risk of developing dementia compared to the other individuals listed.