Treating failing eyesight and high cholesterol are two new ways to lower the risk of developing dementia, according to a major new report. Scientists have identified 14 health issues that, if reduced or eliminated, could theoretically prevent nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide.
Key Findings
Middle-Aged People and Poorer Countries
Middle-aged individuals and residents of poorer countries stand to benefit the most from addressing these risk factors. The Lancet Commission’s latest report predicts that the number of people living with dementia could more than double to 153 million by 2050.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia occurs when diseases such as Alzheimer’s damage nerve cells in the brain, leading to confusion and memory loss. However, it is not an inevitable part of ageing. While genetic factors play a significant role, experts believe that 45% of dementia risk can be modified and reduced through lifestyle changes.
Expert Insights
“It’s never too early or too late to take action,” says lead author Prof. Gill Livingston from University College London. “Governments must reduce risk inequalities by making healthy lifestyles as achievable as possible for everyone.”
Recommendations for Reducing Dementia Risk
The researchers have outlined a series of recommendations for countries around the world:
Health Interventions
Hearing Aids and Education
- Making hearing aids accessible for those with hearing loss
- Ensuring good-quality education for all
Lifestyle Changes
- Supporting people to give up cigarettes
- Encouraging exercise and sport
- Reducing high blood pressure from the age of 40
- Treating high cholesterol from mid-life
- Treating obesity as early in life as possible
- Reducing problem drinking
- Making sure people are not socially isolated or lonely
Medical Screenings and Environmental Factors
- Screening for eyesight problems and providing glasses to those who need them
- Reducing people’s exposure to air pollution
Personal Stories: The Impact of Dementia
Andy Watts’ Story
Andy Watts, 58, from Berkshire, saw his father diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 64. He passed away at 80.
“I watched my father slowly deteriorate over many years. In some ways, you lose them before you actually lose them, because their personality gradually fades,” Andy says. His family has a history of dementia and high cholesterol, so he gets checked regularly. Andy finds it motivating to know there are things he and his family can do to minimise dementia risk, such as focusing on diet and exercise. “I want to do everything I can to reduce the risk,” he says.
Key Risk Factors
The report suggests that some factors are more significant than others. For instance, hearing loss and high cholesterol are estimated to account for 7% each of preventable dementia cases. In early life, lack of education is a major risk, while in later life, social isolation and failing eyesight are critical factors.
Scientific Perspectives
Cautious Optimism
Some experts urge caution regarding the findings. Prof. Tara Spires-Jones from the University of Edinburgh notes that this research cannot conclusively link these factors directly to dementia but contributes to the growing evidence that a healthy lifestyle “can boost brain resilience and prevent dementia.”
Prof. Charles Marshall from Queen Mary University London adds, “We should be careful not to imply that people with dementia could have avoided it if they’d made different lifestyle choices.” He emphasises that most of an individual’s risk is outside their control.
Vision Loss and Dementia
Scientists do not fully understand the link between vision loss and dementia. However, they suggest that in later life, the brain may shrink because it no longer needs to process certain visual information. Vision loss can also lead to a more restricted life, increased isolation, and fewer new experiences, according to Prof. Livingston.
Hope for the Future
Positive Trends
Despite increasing life expectancy, there has been a reduction in dementia cases in high-income countries, attributed to lifestyle changes such as fewer people smoking. However, rising life expectancy is driving up dementia cases in low-income countries.
“Twelve years ago, you would have said there’s nothing you can do about dementia – but that’s really not the case,” says Prof. Livingston.
The Lancet Commission’s report offers hope and a clear call to action: by addressing key health issues and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can significantly reduce the global burden of dementia.
About the Rainbow Care Group
At the Rainbow Care Group we’re changing the way dementia day care services are delivered across the UK and our commitment to ensuring universal access to dementia care remains unwavering. Join us as we strive for a future where no one is left without the critical support they require. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference, today and always.
