2024-08-13 19:29:00
Dementia risk factors that can be prevented
Nearly half of all dementia cases can be delayed or completely prevented if 14 potential risk factors, including vision loss and high cholesterol, are addressed.
In a new report, the group proposes an ambitious dementia prevention program that can be implemented at the individual, community and policy levels and throughout the lifespan, from early life to middle and old age. Important points include: In the first years of life, improve general education.
In middle life, address hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, traumatic brain injury, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and excessive alcohol.
In later life, reduce social isolation, air pollution and vision loss.
Many new studies show that when risk factors, such as exposure to air pollution, are addressed, they are linked to better cognition and can reduce the risk of dementia. Emerging evidence supports the idea that, in high-income countries, a reduced risk of dementia can translate into more years of healthy life, years without dementia, and a shorter period of health. which is not suitable for people who develop dementia.
A 45% reduction in the risk of dementia in the global population is based on an estimate that assumes that risk factors are causal and can be removed. It highlights the critical importance of dementia prevention and the impact it will have on individuals and families.
Further research is needed to identify additional risk factors, test changes in risk factors in clinical trials, provide guidance for public health efforts, and identify and evaluate strategies to implement and expand programs. evidence-based that supports people with dementia and their carers.
This report is in the journal The Lancet.
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