Vision loss and high cholesterol increase the likelihood of developing dementia, according to a new report that says nearly half of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 risk factors.
The Lancet Commission, made up of 27 dementia experts, previously identified 12 lifestyle challenges responsible for 40% of dementia cases, with hearing loss, little education in early life and social isolation in later life at the top of the list.
The addition of vision loss and high cholesterol as risk factors comes as the number of people living with dementia worldwide is expected to rise from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million by 2050.
“Our new report reveals that there is much more that can and should be done to reduce the risk of dementia. It’s never too early or too late to take action, with opportunities to have an impact at every stage of life,” said lead report author Gill Livingston from University College London.
In 2017, the Lancet Commission highlighted nine lifestyle factors it blamed for 35% of dementia cases. Three more risk behaviors were added when the report was updated in 2020. There are now 14 modifiable risk factors.
14 risk factors of dementia
- The lowest levels of education
- Hearing loss
- High blood pressure
- tuxedo
- Obesity
- DEPRESSION
- Physical inactivity
- dIABETES
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Traumatic brain injury
- Air pollution
- Social isolation
- Loss of sight
- High cholesterol
High cholesterol in middle age (starting around age 40) and untreated vision loss in later life are responsible for about 7% and 2% of dementia cases, respectively.
The Lancet Commission recommends treating these concerns as soon as possible, even if you are at high genetic risk for dementia.
“Healthy lifestyles that include regular exercise, not smoking, cognitive activity in middle age (including formal outdoor education) and avoiding excess alcohol can not only reduce the risk of dementia, but can also delay the appearance of insanity,” Livingston explained.
“So if people develop dementia, they are likely to live fewer years with it,” she continued. “This has major quality-of-life implications for individuals, as well as cost-saving benefits for societies.”
The new report, presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, outlines 13 recommendations to help reduce the risk of dementia.
13 Lancet Commission Recommendations
- Make sure everyone gets a quality education and encourage stimulating activities in middle age to protect brain health
- Make hearing aids accessible to people who need them and reduce harmful exposure to noise to reduce hearing loss
- Treat depression
- Supports the use of helmets and head protection in contact sports and cycling
- Encourage exercise because athletes and gym goers are less likely to develop dementia
- Reducing the prevalence of smoking through educational campaigns, increasing prices and limiting cigarettes in public places
- Lowering high blood pressure, especially from age 40 and older
- Detect and treat high cholesterol from middle age
- Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible, which also helps prevent diabetes
- Reducing alcohol abuse through price control and increased awareness of the dangers of overconsumption
- Prioritize supportive community environments and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities
- Make vision loss screening and treatment accessible to everyone
- Reducing exposure to air pollution
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