Identifying Novel Dementia Prevention Factors: Discovery of Three Modifiable Risk Reducers
In a groundbreaking report by The Lancet Commission, 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia have been identified, which could potentially prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide. These risk factors range from lifestyle choices and health conditions to environmental factors, and addressing them can significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
One of the newly identified risk factors is untreated vision loss, including conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Addressing this factor can prevent or delay about 2% of dementia cases. Another newly identified risk factor is high LDL cholesterol, contributing to 7% of dementia prevalence.
Other established risk factors include low education, high blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury (TBI), air pollution, and cognitive inactivity or lack of cognitive stimulation.
The relationship between alcohol and dementia has been established for centuries, and excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia. The risk is evident even in earlier onset dementias. Multiple TBIs increase the risk of dementia more than a single TBI, and a study of older adults with concussion found their risk of dementia doubled.
Smoking increases aerosol particles and has vascular and toxic effects, which might contribute to the development of dementia via vascular mechanisms. On the other hand, drinking less than 21 units of alcohol per week might be associated with a lower risk of dementia. However, new evidence suggests that light to moderate drinking may not protect against Alzheimer's and dementia, and starting to drink for this purpose is not recommended.
The Lancet Commission has also highlighted the importance of addressing head injuries to reduce the risk of dementia. Exposure to air pollutants such as high nitrogen dioxide concentration, fine ambient particulate matter, and second-hand smoke increases the risk of dementia. Governments should improve air quality, particularly in areas with high air pollution, as it is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Programs that teach healthy relationship skills can potentially reduce domestic violence and child abuse behavior, which are modifiable risk factors for dementia in midlife. Regular health check-ups, lifestyle changes, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and a healthy diet are essential strategies to reduce the risk of dementia and potentially delay its onset.
In conclusion, taking appropriate action to reduce modifiable risks for dementia, such as preventing head injuries and improving air quality, is never too soon. By addressing these modifiable risk factors, we can potentially prevent or delay millions of dementia cases worldwide.
- Science has identified 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia prevention, including chronic diseases, health-and-wellness practices, and environmental factors.
- The medical-industry can play a significant role in addressing these risk factors to reduce the global incidence of dementia.
- One identified risk factor is untreated vision loss, which contributes to approximately 2% of dementia cases.
- High LDL cholesterol levels have been found to account for 7% of dementia prevalence.
- Other established risk factors include low education, high blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury (TBI), air pollution, and cognitive inactivity.
- Alcohol consumption, if excessive, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, even in earlier onset cases.
- Multiple TBIs increase the risk of dementia more than a single TBI, and the risk of dementia doubles in older adults with concussion.
- Smoking, with its aerosol particles and vascular effects, may contribute to the development of dementia.
- On the other hand, moderate alcohol consumption (less than 21 units per week) might offer some protection against dementia, although new evidence is questioning this assertion.
- The Lancet Commission emphasizes the importance of addressing head injuries as a means of reducing the risk of dementia.
- Exposure to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, fine ambient particulate matter, and second-hand smoke increases the risk of dementia, justifying government action to improve air quality, especially in polluted areas.
- Programs promoting healthy relationship skills can potentially decrease domestic violence and child abuse, which are midlife modifiable risk factors for dementia.
- Regular health check-ups, lifestyle changes, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and a healthy diet are crucial strategies for reducing the risk of dementia and delaying its onset.
- By taking proactive steps to address modifiable risk factors for dementia, we can potentially prevent or delay millions of dementia cases worldwide.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, making informed choices can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases like dementia.
- As we embrace personal-growth, career-development, and learning in our lifestyle, let us not forget the importance of our relationships, pets, travel, and hobbies like education-and-self-development and sports like football (American or otherwise), all of which impact our overall wellbeing and mental-health.
