The bad news: Scientists discovered two new dementia risk factors.
These new risk factors are “modifiable,” meaning you can mitigate (or even reverse) them.
It’s a finding that also intersects with the commission’s previous findings about traumatic brain injury (yet another noted dementia risk factor).
We should also note that many dementia and Alzheimer’s cases — particularly those rooted largely in genetics — might have little to do with the 14 modifiable risk factors listed by the Lancet Commission.
More on dementia: Ozempic Linked to Significantly Reduced Dementia Risk
Two new dementia risk factors have been found by scientists, which is bad news. Better yet, you can mitigate or even reverse these new risk factors because they are “modifiable.”.
Researchers from The Lancet Commission conducted a systematic review of multiple studies, which was published late last month in The Lancet journal. The research shows that high cholesterol under 40 and untreated vision loss can be added to the commission’s running list of modifiable dementia risk factors.
Thus far, the commission has determined a total of 14 variables that may contribute to dementia risk, including social isolation, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, hypertension, inactivity, and low levels of education. And in the most recent report from the commission, it was found that these 14 modifiable risk factors account for nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide, something that both individuals and policymakers may be able to address with the correct support.
According to a research published in the Lancet, “the number of people living with dementia continues to rise as people live longer, emphasizing the need to identify and implement prevention approaches.”. “.
Seven percent of dementia cases were linked to high LDL cholesterol, while two percent of dementia cases were linked to untreated vision loss in later life, according to the study’s findings. The additions of high cholesterol and vision loss make “mechanical sense,” according to Yale Medicine behavioral neurologist and neuropsychiatrist Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, who was not involved in the research and spoke to HuffPost recently. “.
With respect to cholesterol that clogs arteries, Fesharaki-Zadeh pointed out that “some regions of the brain are more susceptible to injury,” and that “these are the areas that are particularly vulnerable to blood vessel hardening.”. He went on to say that there is a strong link between elevated cholesterol levels and “blood vessel hardening.”. Stated differently, cerebral damage resulting from clogged, hardened arteries may cause neurodegeneration. It is a finding that also coincides with earlier findings regarding traumatic brain injury (another identified risk factor for dementia) from the commission.
Regarding vision loss, vision is a primary sense. Fesharaki-Zadeh told HuffPost that if your vision starts to deteriorate without any kind of mitigation, you may cease engaging in activities that support cognition, such as reading or socializing with loved ones. It should be noted that these activities are themselves a risk factor for dementia.
In the big picture, science is still learning a lot about neurodegenerative diseases, and dementia is a complicated condition. It’s also important to remember that many cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, especially those with strong genetic roots, may not be significantly influenced by the 14 modifiable risk factors that the Lancet Commission has identified. Additionally, some of the correlations the researchers found “might be only partly casual.”. ****.
The human body and brain are remarkably malleable, as demonstrated by this latest research, which also highlights the degree of connectivity between the various systems in our mind and body. Take this as a reminder, if nothing else, that maintaining your physical and mental well-being is always a good idea and that declining brain health isn’t always the result of biology.
CNN quoted American Academy of Neurology fellow Glen R. Finney, who was not involved in the study, saying of the commission’s conclusions last month: “We have to fight neurologic nihilism.”. “The brain is something we should and can protect.”.
The Lancet commission’s report also states that “action should not wait, despite major gaps in our understanding of risk, because there are ways to reduce the chances of developing dementia, which benefit individuals, families, and society.”. “.
Further reading on dementia: Ozempic Associated with a markedly lower risk of dementia.
