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Enhancing Dementia Prevention: Discovered: Three New Adjustable Risk Factors

Newly Identified Risk Factors for Dementia: Modify Them for a Healthier Brain in Old Age

Identified Three Modifiable Factors Lowering Dementia Risk
Identified Three Modifiable Factors Lowering Dementia Risk

Enhancing Dementia Prevention: Discovered: Three New Adjustable Risk Factors

In a groundbreaking report by The Lancet Commission on Dementia, 12 modifiable risk factors have been identified that contribute to the development of dementia. These risk factors offer opportunities for prevention or risk reduction through lifestyle changes and medical management.

The 12 modifiable risk factors are: 1. High blood pressure (hypertension) 2. Hearing impairment 3. Smoking 4. Obesity 5. Depression 6. Physical inactivity 7. Diabetes 8. Social isolation 9. Excessive alcohol use 10. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 11. Less education 12. Air pollution

Addressing these factors can significantly reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia.

### Cardiovascular Health

Since hypertension, diabetes, and obesity damage the brain’s blood vessels, controlling these conditions is crucial. Regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, and medical management can help reduce the risk of dementia. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Following a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods and healthy fats, can also help reduce the risk. Intensive blood pressure control to about 130/80 mmHg can reduce dementia risk by 15%.

### Hearing Impairment

Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can help reduce cognitive decline linked to social isolation and brain changes. Hearing aids may be beneficial in this regard.

### Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking reduces vascular and brain inflammation risks, thereby lowering the risk of dementia.

### Mental Health and Social Engagement

Addressing depression through therapy or medication and increasing social connections can protect cognitive function.

### Physical Inactivity

Encouraging regular exercise can improve brain health and reduce obesity and diabetes risks.

### Education

Lifelong learning and cognitive engagement build cognitive reserve, which can delay dementia symptoms.

### Trauma Prevention

Reducing head injuries through safety measures (helmets, fall prevention) can lower TBI-related dementia risk.

### Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Limiting excessive alcohol intake protects brain health. Drinking less than 21 units of alcohol per week might be associated with a lower risk of dementia, while alcohol abuse and drinking more than 21 units per week increases the risk.

### Air Pollution

Although harder to control individually, advocating for cleaner air policies and avoiding polluted environments when possible is beneficial. Governments should improve air quality, particularly in areas with high air pollution, to lower the risk of dementia due to air pollution.

In summary, a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation throughout life can significantly lower dementia risk by targeting these modifiable factors. By making conscious efforts to address these risk factors, we can potentially prevent or delay up to 20 million dementia cases worldwide.

[1] Alzheimer's Disease International (2021). The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet. 397(10286), 1915–1948. [4] Prince, M., et al. (2015). The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet, 386(9996), 761–769. [5] Prince, M., et al. (2018). The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2020 update: of promise and practice. The Lancet, 391(10139), 2377–2396.

  1. Recognizing the importance of science in understanding the origins of dementia, researchers have identified 12 modifiable risk factors that play a role in its development, presenting opportunities for prevention or risk reduction through various strategies.
  2. While chronic diseases like high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and obesity have been linked to damage in the brain’s blood vessels, health-and-wellness practices such as fitness-and-exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and medical management can help maintain cardiovascular health and, consequently, brain health, potentially reducing dementia risk.
  3. In addition to cardiovascular health, addressing mental-health conditions like depression through therapies-and-treatments and fostering social engagement are also crucial for cognitive function preservation and dementia prevention.
  4. In the realm of environmental-science, efforts to improve air quality can lower the risk of dementia due to air pollution. This emphasis on cleaner air policies is significant, especially in areas with high pollution levels.
  5. Furthermore, various lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, controlling alcohol consumption, and treating hearing impairments, can all contribute to dementia prevention, underscoring the integral role of health-and-wellness, environment, and science in tackling chronic diseases like dementia.

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