2023-09-02 19:00:00
Title: New Study Identifies Eleven Factors to Predict Dementia Risk
Source: Soester Anzeiger
Date: September 2nd, 2023 at 7:00 p.m
Author: Judith Brown
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There is currently no cure for dementia. However, if detected early, the course of the disease can be delayed. Therefore, one should know their risk factors.
Around 1.8 million people in Germany live with dementia. According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, the number of people affected is expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2050. Dementia cannot be cured once it has broken out. However, if Alzheimer’s is detected early, its course can at least be delayed. In the future, for example, a blood test could be used to detect whether someone will develop dementia many years in advance. But there are also certain early warning signs that indicate a later illness. Whether there is a risk of the nervous disease also depends on various factors.
Eleven factors can predict dementia
Not only older age or a genetic predisposition promote dementia: modifiable factors can also increase the risk of developing the disease.
In a study published in the trade magazine “BMJ Mental Health,” scientists at the University of Oxford identified eleven other risk factors, in addition to the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype – the largest known genetic risk factor for the late-onset form of Alzheimer’s dementia. These factors can be used to predict whether a person will be diagnosed with dementia within the next 14 years. The researchers analyzed data from 220,000 men and women from Great Britain, with an average age of almost 60 years. Two percent of the participants developed dementia within 14 years. The researchers used 28 known factors that increase the risk of dementia for their analysis. The following factors were particularly important in the development of the disease:
1. Older age
2. Male sex (women were previously thought to be affected more often)
3. Living alone
4. Diabetes
5. History of stroke
6. Low level of education
7. High blood pressure
8. High cholesterol level
9. Past depression
10. Familial predisposition (occurrence of dementia in the family)
11. Poverty (material deprivation)
Not only genetic predisposition plays a role: modifiable factors promote dementia
Even though older age and genetic factors are the greatest factors in favor of dementia, factors that can be changed or are related to one’s own lifestyle also play a role. Study author Sana Suri from the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University explained that the estimated risk of a person with diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure is about three times higher than that of a person of the same age who has none of these symptoms, as reported by The Guardian. Findings from the German Medical Journal also suggest a gene-lifestyle interaction in the development of dementia. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle may reduce the increased genetic risk for cognitive impairments in ApoE-e4 carriers.
How high your risk of dementia is: Ten living conditions contribute to the disease
The article concludes by emphasizing that this information is only general and should not be used for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. A visit to the doctor is always recommended for personalized advice and information regarding clinical conditions.
Note: This news article was created using the provided content and does not reflect actual events or statements.]
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