Addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases, as discussed in a new report led by UCL researchers.
Addressing 14 modifiable risk factors starting in childhood could prevent or delay nearly half of all dementia cases.
High LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss are two new risk factors associated with 9% of all dementia cases.
Implementing lifestyle changes such as education, hearing aid availability, and reduction of air pollution can help reduce dementia risk.
The report highlights the importance of addressing risk factors across the lifespan to prevent dementia.
Prioritizing population-level interventions to tackle dementia risk factors could lead to significant cost savings and decreased prevalence of dementia.
A new report led by UCL researchers suggests that nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors starting in childhood and continuing throughout life. The report, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, highlights new risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol in midlife and untreated vision loss in later life. These risk factors, combined with existing factors like hearing impairment and social isolation, are linked to 40% of all dementia cases. The report calls for governments and individuals to take action to reduce these risks and outlines policy and lifestyle changes to help prevent and manage dementia.
As the global population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050, leading to significant health and social costs. The authors stress the importance of addressing dementia risks early in life and throughout the life course. They recommend providing education, health interventions, and support for people with dementia and their families. Additionally, the report highlights the potential cost savings of implementing population-level interventions to tackle dementia risk factors, emphasizing the importance of research, support, and intervention to address the growing impact of dementia worldwide.
