2024-07-13 15:00:00
It is estimated that the number of people suffering from dementia will increase to 2.8 million in 2050. © Zoonar.com/Yuri Arcurs peopleimages.com/IMAGO
Various factors promote dementia. However, according to studies, one of them is still considered to be the biggest risk factor today.
More and more people in Germany are suffering from dementia. There are currently 1.8 million people living with the neurological disease, and according to estimates there could be even more in the future. The number of people affected is expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2050. Although researchers hope to be able to stop Alzheimer’s in the future with new treatment approaches, so far it is only possible to slow the progression of the disease. Research continues to focus on the risk factors for dementia.
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Preventing dementia: Five important risk factors you should know
Scientists from University College London conducted an analysis looking for the biggest risk factor for dementia. To do this, they evaluated data from 27 different papers on dementia patients over a period of 68 years (from 1947 to 2015). The results are theirs Study They were published in the specialist journal The Lancet Public Health published. In addition to the genetic component, the research team was initially able to identify five important factors that increase the risk of the neurodegenerative disease:
- Diabetes
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- Smoke
- Level of education
Neurodegenerative diseases:
According to information from the experts, Federal Ministry of Education and Research of neurodegenerative diseases, when nerve cells and cell functions are lost and the damage is so great that the brain can no longer compensate for it. Among the best known neurodegenerative diseases are dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Dementia: Researchers find major risk factor
Even if several risk factors can promote dementia, the scientists were able to identify one main risk factor in the 27 studies that is still valid for the entire period until today: therefore high blood pressure (hypertension) is considered as the biggest risk factor for dementia. .
Lowering high blood pressure: Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes
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Pathologically elevated blood pressure values are one of the so-called cardiovascular diseases. This category is about the heart and blood vessels. According to Naaheed Mukadam, psychiatrist and lead author of the study, these cardiovascular risk factors deserve more targeted interventions in future dementia prevention efforts.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not replace a visit to the doctor in any way. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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