New Strategies to Combat Dementia: 14 Controllable Risk Factors

A recent report reveals that addressing 14 lifestyle and environmental risk factors from an early age could prevent nearly 50% of dementia cases worldwide. The 2024 Lancet Commission report highlights new risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol and vision loss, calling for urgent preventive measures to tackle the dementia epidemic.

Key Risk Factors and Recommendations

The report from the Lancet Commission identifies vision loss and high cholesterol as new risk factors for dementia, adding to the previously known 12 factors. It emphasizes the importance of managing these risk factors early and throughout life, even for those with a genetic predisposition to dementia.

Key Recommendations:

Hearing and Vision: Manage hearing and vision loss effectively.
Cognitive and Social Activity: Stay mentally and socially active.
Sports Safety: Use head protection in contact sports.
Vascular Health: Control cholesterol and diabetes.
Air Quality: Improve air quality.
Community Support: Foster supportive communities.

Financial Impact and Cost Savings

Research suggests that implementing these measures in England could save about £4 billion by addressing risk factors like excessive alcohol consumption, brain injuries, air pollution, smoking, obesity, and hypertension. The report estimates that tackling these factors could prevent or delay almost half of dementia cases as global life expectancy rises.

Global Impact and Prevention

As the global population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to nearly triple by 2050. The report’s authors argue that early and continuous intervention can significantly reduce dementia cases.

New Findings:

High LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss are linked to 9% of dementia cases.
Hearing impairment, high LDL cholesterol, lower education, and social isolation are the leading risk factors.

Call for Action

The Lancet Commission, authored by 27 leading dementia experts, calls for ambitious efforts from governments and individuals to address these risks across the lifespan. This includes policy changes and lifestyle adjustments to prevent and better manage dementia.

Prioritizing Prevention

In high-income countries like the USA and UK, the proportion of older people with dementia has fallen, likely due to better healthcare and lifestyle changes. However, most national dementia plans lack specific recommendations for diverse, underserved populations who are disproportionately affected.

Professor Gill Livingston from University College London states: “Our new report shows there is much more to be done to reduce dementia risk. Early and sustained action can make a significant impact, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Governments must ensure healthy lifestyles are achievable for everyone.”

Summary of Recommendations

To reduce dementia risk throughout life, the Commission outlines 13 recommendations, including:

Providing quality education to all children.
Ensuring hearing aids for those with hearing loss.
Treating high LDL cholesterol from around age 40.
Making vision impairment screening and treatment accessible.
Treating depression effectively.
Using helmets in contact sports and biking.
Creating supportive community environments.
Reducing exposure to air pollution.
Expanding measures to reduce smoking and unhealthy food consumption.

Advances in Research and Support

The report also discusses advances in blood biomarkers and Anti-amyloid β antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease. These new methods show promise for better diagnosis and treatment. The authors call for more support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, emphasizing the need for effective interventions and support systems.

Professor Livingston adds: “Healthy lifestyles involving regular exercise, cognitive activity, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol can lower dementia risk and delay its onset. This has significant quality of life and cost-saving benefits.”

References:

“Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission” by Gill Livingston, et al., The Lancet, 31 July 2024.
“Benefits of population-level interventions for dementia risk factors: an economic modelling study for England” by Naaheed Mukadam, et al., The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 31 July 2024.