Bring down your risk of dementia by targetting these 12 risk factors throughout life

Twenty-eight global dementia experts have now added three new risk factors to the existing nine. Read on to know more.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: August 1, 2020 2:46 pm

Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. © Shutterstock

Dementia is a debilitating condition characterised by progressive mental decline. It can be traumatic for both patients and caregivers. According to scientists, forty 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeting certain risk factors throughout life. Modifying 12 risk factors over a lifetime could delay or prevent 40 per cent of dementia cases, according to an updated report by the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2020). Also Read - Preventive measures against CVD in mid-life can save you from dementia in old age

Experts reveal 3 new risk factors of dementia

Twenty-eight world-leading dementia experts added three new risk factors in the new report – excessive alcohol intake and head injury in mid-life and air pollution in later life. These are in addition to nine factors previously identified by the commission in 2017 – less education early in life; mid-life hearing loss, hypertension and obesity; and smoking, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity and diabetes later in life (65 and up). According to researchers, they are learning that tactics to avoid dementia begin early and continue throughout life. So, it’s never too early or too late to take action. Also Read - Prostate drug, terazosin, may significantly bring down the risk of Parkinson's disease in men

Lifestyle changes bring down risk of cognitive decline

Dementia affects some 50 million people globally, a number that is expected to more than triple by 2050, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where approximately two-thirds of people with dementia live, according to the report. Women are also more likely to develop dementia than men. However, in certain countries, such as the United States, England and France, the proportion of older people with dementia has fallen, probably in part due to lifestyle changes, demonstrating the possibility of reducing dementia through preventative measures. Also Read - Traumatic brain injury can increase risk of Alzheimer's disease: Tips to avoid head injuries

Recommended interventions

Commission members recommended that policymakers and individuals adopt the following interventions. This will help maintain systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or less from the age of 40 onwards.

Encourage use of hearing aids for hearing loss and reduce hearing loss by protecting ears from high noise levels.
Reduce exposure to air pollution and second-hand tobacco smoke.
Prevent head injury (particularly by targeting high-risk occupations).
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 21 units per week (one unit of alcohol equals 10 ml or 8 g pure alcohol).
Stop smoking and support others to stop smoking.
Provide all children with primary and secondary education.
Lead an active life into mid-life and possibly later life.
Reduce obesity and the linked condition of diabetes.

Caregivers need attention too

The report also advocates for holistic, individualized and evidenced-based care for patients with dementia, who typically have more hospitalizations for conditions that are potentially manageable at home and are at greater risk for COVID-19. In addition, it recommends providing interventions for family caregivers who are at risk for depression and anxiety. The commission members conducted a thorough investigation of all the best evidence in the field, including systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses and individual studies, to reach their conclusions.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published : August 1, 2020 2:39 pm | Updated:August 1, 2020 2:46 pm

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