At Adult Think, we are developing a program to identify early signs of dementia and prevent or delay its progression.
A landmark study suggests that almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by addressing 14 lifestyle factors from childhood. Experts have identified two new risk factors—high cholesterol and vision loss—which, combined, account for nearly one in ten dementia cases globally. These factors join 12 existing ones, such as genetics and smoking status, that increase the risk of dementia.
Experts, discounting unavoidable factors like aging and genetics, noted that smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, and air pollution account for four in ten cases of the condition. The study, published in The Lancet, offers more hope than ever before that dementia can be tackled.
The third Lancet Commission on dementia risks highlights that addressing these factors throughout life gives people the best chance of preventing or delaying dementia, even with a high genetic risk. Experts urge public health leaders to take nationwide action to prevent the onset of the disease.
Professor Gill Livingston, lead author of the review and an expert in the psychiatry of older people at University College London, expressed hope that we can prevent dementia more effectively than ever before. She emphasized that lifestyle changes can increase the number of years in good health, even for those genetically predisposed to dementia.
"It's never too early or too late to take action," she said, noting that incorporating exercise into daily routines is one of the simplest ways to reduce dementia risk. Livingston added that lifestyle changes not only decrease the chance of dementia but also improve the quality and quantity of healthy life.
Dr. Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, highlighted that many factors influencing dementia risk, such as smoking, are within individual control. However, she stressed the importance of policymakers addressing factors like air pollution and early childhood education, which require structural changes to society.
Public health leaders must seize this opportunity to prevent dementia. Alzheimer's Research UK urges the Public Health and Prevention Minister, Andrew Gwynne MP, to establish a prevention strategy addressing the health and lifestyle factors linked to dementia, including diet, air quality, and education.
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