Title: Experts Identify 16 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia
Subtitle: Alzheimer’s Disease International releases report highlighting actionable steps to reduce dementia risk
Publication Date: September 21, 2023
By John Ely, Senior Health Reporter for Mailonline
A new report from Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) has identified 16 modifiable risk factors that could influence the likelihood of developing dementia. While ageing and genetics are known factors, these newly identified risks provide individuals with actionable steps to reduce their dementia risk.
The report, compiled by ADI, a federation of 100 Alzheimer’s associations worldwide, sheds light on various habits and conditions that increase vulnerability to the memory-robbing condition. Obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are among the more obvious factors, but several surprising risks include tooth loss, inadequate sleep, and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by the build-up of proteins in the brain hindering its function, is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for two out of three cases. ADI highlights that if just 12 of the identified risk factors are addressed, approximately 55.6 million cases of dementia could be prevented by 2050.
The report emphasizes the need to clarify the real steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk, as numerous studies confuse people about effective preventive measures. Dementia is not a standalone disease but rather a consequence of other conditions, characterized by progressive memory loss and difficulties in daily activities, particularly affecting the elderly.
The leading causes of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular problems, where blood supply to the brain is interrupted by strokes or a series of mini-strokes. While there is no cure, ADI stresses that individuals can take action to lower their risk of developing the condition.
ADI convened a panel of respected experts to examine the latest evidence on reducing dementia risk. They identified 16 risk factors within people’s control, including high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, smoking, exposure to air pollution, diabetes, repeated head injuries, hearing loss, depression, a lack of education, social isolation, poor diet (particularly ultra-processed foods), untreated sight loss, tooth loss, and poor sleep patterns.
Factors related to physical health, such as high blood pressure and obesity, contribute to dementia risk by impacting cardiovascular health, stroke risk, and overall brain health. Meanwhile, factors associated with how individuals use their brains, such as hearing loss, depression, a lack of education, and social isolation, also increase the risk of dementia.
The report acknowledges that the exact mechanisms by which certain risk factors increase dementia risk are still unclear. For example, the connection between ultra-processed food consumption and dementia risk is not fully understood, but it may be linked to factors like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to the 12 previously identified risk factors, the report also highlights poor oral hygiene (tooth loss) and untreated sight loss as contributing factors to dementia risk. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, both tooth loss and sight loss may indicate a lack of good overall health and an increase in inflammation in the body, which can harm the brain.
The fourth factor highlighted in the report is poor sleep patterns. While studies on sleep and dementia risk are inconclusive, the report suggests that sustained lack of sleep inhibits the brain’s ability to flush out proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, leading to an increased risk of dementia.
Despite the identification of 16 modifiable risk factors, ADI recognizes that there are many other habits linked to dementia risk that were not included in the report. ADI’s chief executive, Paola Barbarino, hopes that the report will help individuals make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their dementia risk. She emphasizes that prevention is currently the best tool available, as breakthrough drugs for Alzheimer’s treatment are still being developed.
The report features accounts from individuals currently living with dementia, including Emily Ong, who was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 51. Ong emphasizes that taking steps to reduce dementia risk should continue even after diagnosis, as improving overall health can slow the progression of the condition.
Dementia is a significant global health concern, with an estimated 900,000 people in the UK and 7 million people in the US living with the condition. The financial burden of treating and caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in the UK alone amounts to £25 billion each year.
As individuals continue to live longer, understanding and addressing modifiable risk factors for dementia becomes increasingly crucial. By taking action to mitigate these risks, individuals can potentially reduce their likelihood of developing this debilitating condition.
Note: This article is a fictional piece and does not represent real news or facts.