A recent study unveils that nearly half of dementia cases across the globe could be avoided or postponed, by addressing 14 identified risk factors. It is projected that by 2050, the number of people with dementia will surge to 153 million, resulting in an enormous strain on global health and social care systems. According to the research, the world spends over $1tn (£726bn) annualy on the global health and social costs related to dementia.
A landmark report, released by The Lancet and composed by 27 prominent dementia specialists, concludes that a greater percentage of the cases could be prevented or delayed than was believed in the past. The Lancet commission on dementia reveals that tackling these 14 changeable risk factors, which span from childhood to late life, could help prevent or delay 45% of dementia cases, even in instances of an extended lifespan. These findings were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association international conference in America.
Professor Gill Livingston, the principal author of the study, in a discussion with The Guardian, stressed the importance of understanding that dementia is not inevitable. She is hopeful that millions of people who can drastically lower their chances of developing the condition or delaying its onset will take the necessary action. Prof. Livingston emphasizes that dementia prevention measures can be taken at any point in a person’s life and it’s never too late or too early to start.
The report highlights two new risk factors, which contribute to 9% of dementia cases. High “bad” cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein from the age of 40 accounts for 7% of cases, while untreated vision loss during old age contributes to 2% of cases. This is in addition to the 12 risk factors outlined by the Lancet commission in 2020. These factors are collectively responsible for approximately 36% of dementia cases, explains Prof. Livingston.
The experts suggest that there are numerous factors that contribute to lower dementia risk such as not smoking, maintaining a regular exercise schedule, cognitive activities during the middle years of one’s life including outside structured education, and drinking alcohol within limits. By taking these steps, it not only reduces the risk of dementia but may also delay its onset, which translates into less time living with this cognitive decline disease for those who do develop it.
Professor Livingston notes, this could greatly enhance the quality of life for someone with dementia and could be cost-effective for society as a whole. She also emphasises the importance of incorporating some form of physical activity into one’s daily routine, even simple activities like walking or seated exercises, as a straightforward and feasible measure to prevent dementia, especially for those who otherwise maintain a sedentary lifestyle.
To lower dementia risk throughout a person’s life, 13 recommendations were put forth by the Lancet commission. These include accessible treatment and screening for vision impairment, implementing good-quality education for children, being cognitively active during midlife, and making hearing aids available to those with hearing loss whilst also minimising exposure to harmful noise. Early detection and treatment of high cholesterol, from around the age of 40, were also amongst the recommendations.
The experts’ report indicates that almost half of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing these 14 risk factors, providing a glimmer of hope in the fight against dementia.