2023-08-26 13:55:00
An innovative tool has been developed by scientists from the University of Oxford that can predict the likelihood of developing dementia over the next 14 years. The tool uses a list of 11 risk factors and has been found to strongly predict whether middle-aged individuals will develop dementia.
To create the tool, researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 people between the ages of 50 and 73 who participated in two long-term British studies. They compiled a list of 28 known risk factors associated with dementia and narrowed it down to the 11 strongest predictors. These predictors include age, education, history of diabetes, history of depression and stroke, having a parent with dementia, levels of deprivation, high blood pressure and cholesterol, living alone, personality traits, and the presence of the APOE gene which is associated with dementia.
The researchers developed the UK Biobank dementia risk score and the APOE tool using all of these factors. The APOE tool produced the highest predictive scores for people developing dementia over the 14 years of the study. For example, an older man with a history of diabetes, who lives alone, has high blood pressure, and carries the APOE gene would have a higher risk score compared to a younger woman with none of these risk factors.
The researchers claim that this assessment outperforms other similar risk assessment tools currently available. In addition to identifying individuals at risk, these tools can also highlight preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of dementia. Previous research has shown that up to 40% of dementia cases can be prevented by modifying lifestyle factors such as quitting smoking, reducing high blood pressure, and losing weight.
The researchers suggest that this tool could be used in the future as a primary screening tool for dementia to place individuals in “risk groups”. Those with a high risk score may be prioritized for further testing including cognitive assessments, brain scans, and blood tests.
However, it’s important to note that the risk score only provides odds and is not a definitive outcome. Modifiable factors such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure can play a significant role in increasing the risk of dementia, but the presence of the APOE gene poses the greatest risk. The researchers emphasize that there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of dementia, even for individuals with multiple risk factors.
The development of this innovative tool brings hope for early detection and prevention of dementia, allowing individuals to take proactive steps to reduce their risk and potentially prevent the disease.]
#Including #blood #pressure #diabetes #factors #put #risk #developing #dementia