2024-03-31 10:05:57
A recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications, concluded that there are three main risk factors that may lead to dementia, which are diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption, indicating that these factors affect weak areas of the brain, making them vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.
According to the American newspaper “The Washington Post”, the study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed brain scans of about 40,000 adults between the ages of 44 and 82 in Britain, focusing on modifiable risk factors and their impact on vulnerable brain areas associated with Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.
The study looked at 161 modifiable risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, weight, alcohol consumption, smoking, mood, inflammation, pollution, hearing, sleep, socializing, diet, physical activity, and education.
The study concluded that among these factors, diabetes, air pollution (measured by nitrogen dioxide levels), and frequent alcohol consumption emerged as the most harmful to these vulnerable areas of the brain, with each exerting twice the influence of other major risk factors such as sleep. Weight, smoking, and blood pressure.
The study identified seven gene clusters that affect vulnerable brain areas, some of which overlap with genes associated with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the researchers emphasized that genetic and modifiable risk factors are not directly comparable.
According to the World Health Organization, dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to rise to 153 million by 2050.
Alzheimer’s is defined as cognitive decline. Due to the loss of nerve cells, their interruption in the brain, and their eventual death.
To mitigate the risk factors identified in the study, lead researcher “Gwennael David” from the University of Oxford, recommends maintaining a healthy and varied diet to regulate blood sugar, taking measures to reduce exposure to traffic-related pollution, and consuming alcohol in moderation, stressing the need for cooperative efforts between individuals. and local governments to implement supportive policies.
Last updated: March 30, 2024 – 01:23
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2024-03-31 10:05:57