Dementia diseases, where Alzheimer's is the most common, are often described as one of our greatest health challenges in the future with approximately ten million new cases worldwide every year.
High age and genetics are the most common causes. But there are also risk factors that can be influenced. Researchers have previously identified twelve factors that increase the risk of being affected, such as poor hearing, diabetes, smoking, and loneliness. What they have in common is that they can all be influenced, either on one's own or through societal efforts.
Updated list
Now, 26 dementia experts from around the world have updated the list with two additional risk factors – vision loss, for example as a result of cataracts or diabetes, and high "bad" LDL cholesterol in middle age. The updated list is presented in The Lancet.
The researchers also tried to estimate how large a proportion of dementia cases could be prevented if each of the 14 risk factors were removed.
Eliminating all factors would prevent an estimated 45 percent of dementia cases, according to the research team.
Alcohol has the least impact
Preventing hearing loss and high LDL cholesterol had the single largest effect. They would reduce dementia cases by seven percent each. Obesity and high alcohol consumption had the least impact. They reduced dementia cases by one percent each.
The researchers emphasize that even if the risk factors are associated with dementia, it does not mean that they cause the condition.
The new risk list is based on a review of existing studies and includes approximately seven million people.
In addition to high age and genetics, there are 14 additional risk factors for dementia diseases. Research shows that over 40 percent of all dementia diseases can be linked to lifestyle factors that can be influenced.
Hearing loss
Depression
Smoking
High blood pressure
High alcohol consumption
Obesity
Air pollution
Traumatic brain injury
Diabetes
Social isolation
Physical inactivity
Low educational level
Vision loss
High LDL cholesterol in middle age
Source: The Lancet
