The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care has identified 14 risk factors for dementia that, if addressed, could potentially reduce the number of people living with dementia by nearly half. The commission outlined these risk factors, including new additions of high cholesterol after age 40 and vision loss, at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Experts are urging governments to prioritize large-scale attempts to reduce these risks in order to slow the surge of dementia worldwide, which would have significant social and economic benefits.
Preventing the development of dementia can start as early as childhood, with the identification of these 14 risk factors that contribute to nearly half of all dementia cases. The Lancet Commission’s new report suggests that governments can save billions through large-scale interventions to address these risk factors. The report also notes that dementia is not a normal part of aging and that the number of people with dementia is expected to nearly triple by 2050, with lower-income countries experiencing a surge in cases due to longer life expectancy.
Experts emphasize the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors for dementia through public health initiatives. Andrew Sommerlad, one of the report’s authors, stresses the need for governments to take a broad, organized approach to combat the expected surge in dementia cases in the coming decades. Social factors, such as social isolation and frequent social contact, play a crucial role in reducing dementia risk, according to the experts. There is growing evidence that social contact, healthy behaviors, and stress reduction can help build cognitive reserve against dementia pathology.
The United States Surgeon General has described the current situation in the U.S. as an “epidemic of loneliness,” highlighting the link between social isolation and health issues. Experts like David Merrill emphasize the importance of addressing social isolation as a risk factor for dementia. They stress the importance of maintaining social connections and engaging in social activities as a way to promote healthy brain aging. In addition, factors like alcohol consumption and obesity are also identified as risk factors that need to be monitored and addressed to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
There is growing evidence that any amount of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing dementia, among other health complications. Experts urge individuals to reduce alcohol use over time and monitor trends in risky health behaviors. Additionally, obesity levels have increased over time, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and response to these trends. By addressing modifiable risk factors for dementia, such as alcohol use and obesity, individuals can reduce their risk of developing dementia and promote healthy brain aging. Public health initiatives are crucial in addressing these risk factors and reducing the global burden of dementia.
