Vision loss and high cholesterol increase your chances of developing dementia, according to a new report that says nearly half of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 risk factors.
The Lancet Commission, made up of 27 dementia experts, previously identified 12 lifestyle struggles responsible for 40% of dementia cases, with hearing loss, little education in early life and social isolation in later life at the top of the list.
The addition of vision impairment and high cholesterol are risk factors as the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to rise from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050.
“Our new report shows that there is more that can and should be done to reduce the risk of dementia. It is never too early or too late to act, with the opportunity to make an impact at any stage,” said lead report author Gill Livingston from University College London.
In 2017, the Lancet Commission highlighted nine lifestyle factors that were blamed for 35% of dementia cases. Three more risky behaviors were added when the report was updated in 2020. There are now 14 modifiable risk factors.
14 risk factors for dementia
- Lower level of education
- Hearing loss
- His blood pressure is high
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Depression
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Traumatic brain injury
- Air pollution
- Social isolation
- Loss of vision
- High cholesterol
High cholesterol in middle age (starting around 40) and untreated vision loss in later life are responsible for approximately 7% and 2% of dementia cases, respectively.
The Lancet Commission recommends addressing these issues as soon as possible, even if you have a high genetic risk for dementia.
“A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, not smoking, cognitive activity in midlife (including formal outdoor education) and avoiding excessive alcohol can not only lower the risk of dementia but also delay the onset of dementia,” explains Livingston.
“So, if people develop dementia, they will probably live less years,” he continued. “This has huge quality-of-life implications for individuals as well as cost-saving benefits for society.”
A new report – presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia – outlines 13 recommendations to reduce the risk of dementia.
13 Lancet Commission Recommendations
- Make sure everyone gets a quality education and encourage stimulating activities in midlife to protect brain health
- Make hearing aids accessible to those who need them and reduce exposure to harmful noise to reduce hearing loss
- Treat depression
- Support the use of helmets and head protection in contact sports and on bikes
- Encourage exercise because athletes and people who enjoy exercise are more likely to develop dementia
- Reduce the prevalence of smoking through education campaigns, price increases and bans on smoking in public places
- Reduces high blood pressure, especially from the age of 40 years and above
- Detect and treat high cholesterol from midlife
- Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible, which also helps prevent diabetes
- Reducing alcohol abuse through price controls and increasing awareness of the risks of overconsumption
- Prioritize community environments that support and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities
- Make screening and treatment of vision loss accessible to all
- Reduce exposure to air pollution