New Risk Factors for Dementia Identified, Lifestyle Changes Can Counteract Them

Scientists have identified new risk factors for dementia, including high cholesterol and vision loss, which can be countered by lifestyle changes. Experts from the Lancet Commission on Dementia have found that these two new causes bring the total of modifiable factors to 14, which are responsible for almost half of all dementia cases. The commission is urging governments and individuals to take action to tackle these risks, starting in childhood, to promote healthy eating and reduce the risk of dementia. Modifiable risk factors include high cholesterol, vision loss, and hearing impairment, which are responsible for seven percent of cases each.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lancet Commission on Dementia has identified 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which are responsible for almost half of all cases.
• High cholesterol and vision loss have been added as new risk factors, taking the total to 14.
• Lifestyle changes, such as wearing glasses and taking statins, can help reduce the risk of dementia.
• Early childhood interventions, such as promoting healthy eating and reducing high cholesterol, can have a significant impact on later life.
• The commission recommends 13 measures to tackle these risks, including screening for high cholesterol and vision loss in over-40s.
• Professor Masud Husain and Dr Jeremy Isaacs from the University of Oxford and the NHS, respectively, emphasize the importance of taking simple actions to reduce the risk of dementia.
• Studies have shown that replacing processed meat with nuts and tofu can lower the risk of dementia by 23 percent.

Statistics:

• 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, responsible for almost half of all cases (Lancet Commission on Dementia).
• High cholesterol and vision loss are new risk factors, responsible for seven percent of cases each (Lancet Commission on Dementia).
• Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia by 23 percent (Breaking study).
• Replacing processed meat with nuts, beans, or tofu can lower the risk of dementia by 23 percent (Breaking study).
• 130,000-plus people were tracked for up to 43 years in the study on food and dementia risk (Breaking study).

Sources:

• Lancet Commission on Dementia, "Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Management" (presentation at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia).
• news@dailymail.ie (date not specified).
• The Harvard study on food and dementia risk presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in the US (date not specified).