New research highlights effective ways to target dementia risks starting from childhood, potentially halving the global burden of Alzheimer's disease.
In a groundbreaking study, experts pinpointed 14 lifestyle factors that could prevent nearly half of all Alzheimer's cases, according to the Daily Mail.
The study, spearheaded by the third Lancet Commission on dementia, was both published in The Lancet journal and presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia. It marked a pivotal moment in understanding how lifestyle choices and conditions contribute to dementia, especially with high cholesterol and vision loss identified as key factors in later life.
By integrating new risk contributors with previously recognized ones, including genetics and smoking, the research suggests a more comprehensive approach to tackling dementia.
Notable among the newly identified risk factors are untreated vision loss and poor cholesterol management after the age of 40.
Professor Gill Livingston, who played a pivotal role in the study, emphasized the beacon of hope this research provides, stating, "Shows hope that we can prevent people getting dementia more than ever before."
These findings not only shed light on Alzheimer's but also on broader dementia cases, which include nearly 900,000 individuals in the UK and about 7 million Americans.
Leveraging data and analysis, this study builds on previous findings, which grouped other lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and social isolation as primary contributors to around 40% of dementia cases globally.
The cumulative effect of these factors from an early age underlines the critical window of preventative opportunity.
In response to these findings, the Lancet Commission recommended a list of 13 preventive strategies. These include enhancing cognitive activity through education, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and initiating regular cholesterol screening for individuals over 40. These strategies aim not just to reduce dementia risk but to foster a higher overall quality of life.
Dr. Susan Kohlhaas highlighted the broader societal implications, noting, "But others, like air pollution and early childhood education, are bigger than individuals and communities."
This reflects a shift towards viewing dementia prevention as a societal concern rather than solely an individual responsibility.
Professor Klaus Ebmeier expressed caution, warning against overly optimistic headlines that suggest dementia is largely preventable through lifestyle alone.
This skepticism points to the complex nature of the disease and the myriad of factors influencing its development. Meanwhile, Dr. Jeremy Isaacs underscored the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.
Professor Charles Marshall, alongside Ebmeier, further addressed the uncertainties surrounding the exact control individuals have over preventing dementia, highlighting the need for continued research and validated preventive measures.
Alzheimer's Research UK has responded to the study by calling on Public Health and Prevention Minister Andrew Gwynne MP to devise a thorough preventive strategy that incorporates these findings. They aim to integrate a range of measures, from urban planning to healthcare policies, to combat the rising trends of dementia predicted to impact 1.7 million Brits by 2040.
Separately, new research on the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab suggested it could provide lasting benefits without added safety risks over three years, particularly for patients in the early stages of the disease. This pharmacological approach complements the lifestyle-based strategies suggested by the Lancet study.
To summarize, addressing the 14 identified lifestyle factors starting from childhood can significantly reduce the global incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
The study emphasizes an integrated approach to prevention, involving both individual actions and broader public health strategies. Together, these efforts can not only decrease the likelihood of dementia but improve overall life quality and longevity for future generations.
