2024-07-12 00:12:12
In addition to genetics, certain pre-existing conditions also influence the risk of developing dementia. One factor in particular stands out.
In Germany, 1.8 million people live with dementia. The risk of developing the disease increases with age. While less than three percent of people aged 65 to 70 suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia, around one in five people aged 85 and one in three people aged 90 and over are affected.
Research on this topic is booming worldwide. Now scientists at University College London have searched for the greatest risk factor for dementia. They evaluated 27 studies on dementia patients from all over the world. The data dates from 1947 to 2015.
In addition to the genetic component, the main indicators that promote dementia include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and smoking. The level of education also plays a role; a low level of education is associated with a 60 percent increased risk of dementia.
The researchers took into account that the level of education increased during the observation period and the number of smokers decreased. At the same time, however, obesity and diabetes rates increased. This made this component more important as a risk factor for dementia.
But all studies identified a main risk factor that remains valid to this day. High blood pressure is still considered the greatest risk factor for dementia. At least one in four Germans – estimates vary between 20 and 30 million sufferers – suffer from hypertension. Risk factors for high blood pressure include smoking, obesity and diabetes. Pathologically high blood pressure values fall into the category of cardiovascular diseases, i.e. diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.
The study’s lead author, psychiatrist Naaheed Mukadam, explains: “These cardiovascular risk factors … deserve more targeted interventions in future dementia prevention efforts.”
Governments should therefore consider implementing measures such as global awareness campaigns and, for example, smoking bans.