Recent research shows that almost half of dementia is preventable. Research suggests they are caused by 12 lifestyle factors, each of which increases your risk.
Almost half of all dementia cases fall into 12 main factors, according to a new study.
Each lifestyle factor increases risk, and addressing them could reduce the risk of dire consequences by 40 percent. Contributing factors include drinking more than 10 pints or two bottles of wine per week, head injuries from accidents or sports, and living near a busy street.
These three were added to the other nine previously known. They say this “dirty dozen” holds the secret to fighting Alzheimer's disease. Lead author Professor Gil Livingstone from University College London said: “Our report shows that preventing and slowing a significant proportion of dementia is within the power of policy makers and individuals. ” There may be ways to reduce risk at “each stage of life,” from childhood to old age, she says.
These three new factors account for 6% of cases worldwide, half of which are thought to be caused by head injuries in people in their 30s to 50s. One in 50 deaths is caused by air pollution experienced in old age, and 1% is caused by consuming more than 21 units of alcohol each week in middle age.
A group of 28 top dementia experts updated a report on how to prevent dementia that was presented at the Alzheimer's Association of America's virtual conference. The report builds on her previous findings from 2017, which identified factors contributing to around a third (34%) of dementia cases.
The report found that midlife hearing loss (8%), leaving school early (7%) and smoking (5%) were the main causes. Loneliness and depression (both 4%), high blood pressure and physical inactivity (both 2%) and obesity and diabetes (both 1%) also play a role, Wales Online reports.
Experts suggested that governments and individuals should ensure that all children have access to primary and secondary education. It also recommended limiting alcohol consumption to less than 21 units per week and running campaigns to prevent head injuries, especially for people in high-risk jobs and transport.
It also encouraged the use of hearing aids, protection from loud noises and urgent improvements to air quality. They advised that systolic blood pressure, the highest reading, should be kept below 130 mmHg starting at age 40. Avoiding smoking, second-hand smoke, obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as staying active at all ages, were also recommended. . Currently, approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia, and that number is expected to rise to 152 million by 2050.
Dementia is a big problem, affecting people, their families and even the economy. It costs around £770 billion each year worldwide. However, the number of people developing dementia is decreasing in some regions, probably because people are living healthier lives. Professor Livingstone said: “As a society, we need to think beyond health promotion to prevent dementia and start tackling inequalities to improve the conditions in which people live. “Risks can be reduced by creating an active and healthy environment in communities where physical activity takes place.” Activity is the norm, better food is provided for everyone, and exposure to excess alcohol is minimized. ”
This is especially likely in low- and middle-income countries, where about two-thirds of people with dementia live. Fiona Carragher, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: “While news that 40% of dementia cases could theoretically be prevented is certainly welcome, thousands of people are still struggling with their memory, relationships and identity. “We're going to need more power to prevent it from being taken away.” More than just this knowledge. ”
“While we don't have all the answers yet, we can take action now to address risk factors that we can control, such as heavy drinking, obesity, and high blood pressure. “Public health policies are needed to address other factors such as air pollution and early childhood education inequalities.”
“This Lancet Commission update, part-funded by the Alzheimer's Society, should spur government action. It helps inform how we cope and is essential to combating this problem: the growing number of people living with dementia.”
The remaining 60% of risks are thought to be potentially unmodifiable. Dementia patients are particularly susceptible to coronavirus infection because they are older and have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure.
Researchers said they should not be admitted to care homes to protect existing residents. More than 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to two million by 2050.
With no cure found, there is increasing focus on a healthy lifestyle that can help prevent the disease, including a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise.