A new report suggests that nearly 50% of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 preventable risk factors. Recently, high cholesterol and vision loss have been added to the list of modifiable risk factors for dementia. Taking care of your physical health and engaging in mentally stimulating activities during midlife can reduce your risk of dementia. Continue reading to learn more about the new report.
This new report, which was written by 27 of the world’s leading dementia specialists, urges health officials to take action to reduce preventable risks of dementia. Some people will undoubtedly develop dementia, but addressing risk factors earlier in life may help them live a longer, healthier life. It may even help them delay development of the cognitive illness. It is never too early to take action, especially when these opportunities can make a big impact on your life.
Preventing Physical Threats To Mental Acuity
According to the new report, there are 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which are:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Exposure to air pollution
- Vision loss
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High LDL cholesterol levels
- Social isolation
- Physical inactivity
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lower education
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Hearing loss
Physical risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and diabetes may increase the risk of narrowed or blocked arteries. By decreasing blood flow to the brain and brain cells, you increase the risk of cognitive decline. The brain and its cells require a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen to function optimally. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol and smoking can also increase the risk of heart disease and cause brain cells to die because of the toxins. And finally, a traumatic brain injury can disrupt mental capabilities and how the brain functions.
High Cholesterol And Vision Loss Contribute To Dementia Risk
The new guidelines added high cholesterol and vision loss in midlife (about age 40) to the list of preventable risk factors. According to researchers, 7% of dementia cases stem from high levels of LDL, or bad, cholesterol. That is because LDL cholesterol buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood supply to the brain.
2020 was the last time this list was updated and available evidence indicated LDL cholesterol as a possible risk factor. At that point, evidence about it being a risk factor for dementia was inconclusive. Since then, however, compelling evidence indicates that LDL cholesterol increases the risk of developing cognitive decline. Additionally, vision loss was also a recent update. Hearing loss was already on the list, and it seems consistent that a decline in sensory functions can lead to confusion and problems processing information. In fact 2% of dementia cases were attributed to untreated vision loss later in life.
How to Reduce Dementia Risks
People can take preventative steps to delay mental decline at any age. The longer you expose yourself to risk factors, the more harmful they are to overall cognition. Developing healthier habits during early life and midlife can form a strong base for behaviors later in life. Getting regular exercise and following a healthy diet can decrease your risk for some of the risk factors of dementia. Health experts have several suggestions that can help people keep the dangers of cognitive decline at bay, and they include:
- Making screenings and treatments for vision impairment accessible for all
- Treating depression effectively
- Providing all children with quality education and ensuring that they are cognitively active in midlife
- Prioritizing supportive community environments and housing to increase social contact
- Reducing the sugar and salt content in food sold in stores and restaurants
- Wearing helmets and head protection in contact sports and while riding bikes or skateboards
- Expanding measures to reduce smoking and increasing the minimum age of purchase
- Detecting and treating high LDL cholesterol in midlife
- Making hearing aids available for those with hearing loss
- Reducing exposure to air pollution via stricter clean air policies
