This comprehensive report, authored by a distinguished panel of experts from around the globe, gathers the latest evidence on dementia risk factors and prevention strategies. The interdisciplinary team, representing diverse fields and regions, meticulously analyzed data and provided updated recommendations aimed at reducing the global burden of dementia.
The report emphasizes the importance of a life-course approach to prevention, highlighting both new and established modifiable risk factors.
The Lancet Commission identifies 14 key risk factors that, if addressed, could potentially prevent or delay nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide. These factors span across different life stages and emphasize the importance of early and sustained interventions to protect brain health.
1. Less Education
Access to education and longer education attainment leads to more cognitive stimulation over lifetime and builds cognitive reserve that protects against dementia.
2. Untreated Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in midlife contributes significantly to loss of sensory stimulation which accelerates cognitive decline.
3. Untreated Vision Loss
Addressing vision problems ensures continued sensory stimulation which is key to maintain neuroplasticity and brain flexibility.
4. Hypertension
High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke—which leads to vascular dementia.
5. Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent diabetes and vascular risk factors which contribute to stroke and dementia.
6. Diabetes
Persistent high blood sugar level is toxic to the nerves and brain cells due to continuous inflammation.
7. Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds that contribute to increased inflammation and radiation to the body, including the brain.
8. Physical Inactivity
Regular physical activity is vital to keep the body and brain fit. A healthy heart and network of blood vessels ensures the brain is well maintained with sufficient oxygenated blood.
9. Depression
Managing depression well as a clinical condition is important for maintaining a healthy balance of hormones crucial for brain health.
10. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive exposure to alcohol leads to cell injury and impaired brain functions.
11. Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injuries, especially in contact sports such as football and boxing, have been linked to increased risk of dementia.
12. Social Isolation
Staying socially engaged, especially in later years, is important to keep the brain stimulated and functional.
13. Air Pollution
Air pollutants such as PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) have been linked to increased risk of dementia.
14. High LDL Cholesterol
High cholesterol contributes to unhealthy blood vessels and risk of stroke which often kickstarts the process of cognitive decline.
As we reflect on these insights, it’s vital to apply these recommendations in our daily lives:
1. Look After Your Senses
Address vision and hearing issues as early as possible to help reduce your risk of dementia.
2. Eat Smart
You are what you eat—manage your diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consider neuroprotective supplements like gingko biloba and tocotrienols.
3. Stay Active
Keep both your mind and body healthy by staying active and engaging with family and community activities to help prevent dementia.
4. Reduce Toxins
Limit exposure to harmful substances like smoking, air pollution, and excessive alcohol to protect your brain.
5. Keep Learning
Stay mentally active by continuing to learn and challenge your brain throughout life.
6. Protect Your Head
Use proper protection during activities to prevent brain injuries that could increase the risk of dementia.
For more tips, explore additional articles here.
References:
- Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Liu, K. Y., Costafreda, S. G., Selbæk, G., Alladi, S., … & Mukadam, N. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0
