Scientists have now identified high cholesterol and untreated vision loss as risk factors for dementia. A new Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care also found that nearly half of cases of dementia worldwide may be attributed to such risk factors. Its most prevalent form is Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for about 60-70 per cent of dementia cases.
In fact, both these factors have been found to be a trigger for nine per cent of all dementia cases. Seven per cent of cases can be linked to high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, which develops midlife around age 40. Two per cent of dementia cases are linked to untreated vision loss in later life. The study also suggests that nearly half of dementia cases across the world could be delayed or prevented.
Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society said that Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and a global crisis affecting more than 55 million people, but it’s never too early or too late to reduce your dementia risk.
She added that the issue is a societal one, and shouldn’t just be down to the individual. “Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by changing your lifestyle, but many must be addressed on a societal level,” she said.
High cholesterol is already a risk factor for several other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Cholesterol can be lowered by cutting out saturated fats, exercising more, giving up smoking and cutting back on alcohol. The Lancet Commission study builds on previous research in which scientists identified 12 risk factors for developing dementia.
Dementia is a syndrome, or a group of associated symptoms, linked to the progressive decline of the brain. This can cause memory problems, behavioural changes and even mobility issues. Due to the fact it is more common in people over the age of 65, it is often thought of as a condition that can happen as you get older.
Although it is true that the risk of dementia increases as you age, this is not the only pre-determining factor. Research has shown that 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes.
Risk factors for developing dementia.
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injury
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Not completing secondary education
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Depression
- Physical inactivity
- Air pollution
- Social isolation
- Diabetes
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