Nearly half of all worldwide dementia cases can be prevented, as per a new report which found that following specific recommendations could significantly reduce the risk for the impairment.
Research has identified 14 risk factors from childhood that could be tackled to prevent or delay dementia.
In 2019, there were 57 million people globally living with dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health.
By 2050, that number is expected to almost triple.
The report, led by 27 world-leading dementia experts, points out risk factors such as:
- lower levels of education
- hearing impairment
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- obesity
- depression
- physical inactivity
- diabetes
- excessive alcohol consumption
- traumatic brain injury
- air pollution
- social isolation
Additionally, high cholesterol and vision loss are newly recognized risk factors for dementia. LDL or “bad” cholesterol and vision loss were found to be linked to 9% of dementia cases.
There is a lot that can be done to reduce dementia risk, both at an individual and societal level, offering hope for society as a whole.
RELATED STORY | Study: Alzheimer’s blood test diagnosed 91% of dementia cases
The report provides guidelines for patients and doctors to prevent and manage dementia better, such as using head protection in contact sports and managing vascular risks like diabetes and obesity.
The commission emphasizes the importance of addressing these risk factors proactively. The earlier in life we can mitigate the risk for dementia, the better.
