Nearly half of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented altogether by addressing 14 underlying risk factors, such as poor eyesight and high cholesterol.
In other words Key findings from new research study This is a paper that we and our colleagues published in the Lancet.
dementiaA rapidly growing global challenge, the disease affects an estimated 57 million people worldwide, a number that is growing at a rapid pace. 153 million people worldwide by 2050. The prevalence of dementia is decline In high-income countries, Increase in low- and middle-income countries.
This third and latest report from the Lancet Dementia Commission carries good news and a strong message: policymakers, clinicians, individuals and families can motivate themselves to prevent dementia and reduce the risk of dementia, and for people with dementia and their carers, they can support their quality of life using evidence-based approaches.
The new report confirms 12 potentially modifiable risk factors identified in the two previous reports. Published in 2017 and 2020In addition, vision loss and High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levelsIt is often called “bad” cholesterol.
A review of published evidence found that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could reduce dementia prevalence by 45% worldwide. Even greater risk reductions may be possible in low- and middle-income countries, and in lower-income populations in high-income countries. High prevalence of dementiahealth disparities, and risk factors in these populations.
The report further noted that reducing these 14 risks could potentially extend the healthy lifespan of people with dementia and shorten the period of poor health.
In addition, the report suggests that non-pharmacological approaches, such as activities tailored to interests and abilities, Reduce dementia-related symptoms and improve quality of life.
we General Internist, Applied sociologist and intervention scientistand our research focuses on memory and health in older adults. Together with 25 internationally recognized dementia experts, under the leadership of a professor of psychiatry, Dr. Gil LivingstonWe have carefully reviewed the evidence to arrive at recommendations for prevention, intervention and care.
Why it matters
The rapid ageing of the world’s population is the result of improvements in public health and individual health throughout the lifespan. However, with no cure for dementia, The report states: Prevention Supporting quality of life for people diagnosed with dementia.
In a new report, our team proposes an ambitious programme to prevent dementia that can be implemented at individual, community and policy levels, and across the lifespan, from early childhood through middle age and old age. Key points include:
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Improve general education during childhood.
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In midlife, we address hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, traumatic brain injury, lack of exercise, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
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In later life, it reduces social isolation, air pollution and vision loss.
Uncorrected hearing loss is an important, modifiable feature of aging from midlife onwards, and can accelerate brain decline. Modern hearing aids are easy to use and can help older adults maintain social connections and mitigate age-related cognitive decline. AlexRaths/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Taken together, these measures amount to an estimate from the Lancet Dementia Commission that dementia risk could be reduced by 45%, and a number of new studies have shown that addressing risk factors such as exposure to air pollution is associated with dementia. Improves cognitive function and may reduce risk of dementia.
Emerging evidence supports the idea that in high-income countries, reducing the risk of dementia could lead to more healthy years for people who develop dementia, more dementia-free years, and fewer years of ill health.
What we don’t know yet
The 45% reduction in dementia risk in the global population is based on calculations that assume risk factors are causal and can be eliminated, showing how important dementia prevention is and the impact it can have on individuals and families.
The committee emphasized the need for further research to identify additional risk factors, test changes in risk factors in clinical trials, provide guidance for public health actions, and identify and evaluate strategies to implement and expand evidence-based programs to support people with dementia and their caregivers.
Updated reports have impacted public health and research worldwide and are widely distributed, serving as guidelines for clinicians and policy makers and outlining new research directions.
Eric B. Larson is an associate professor of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine. Laura Gitlin is dean emeritus and distinguished professor of nursing and health sciences at Drexel University.. This article is reprinted from conversation Under Creative Commons License.Please read Original article.
