14 Risk Factors Linked to Nearly Half of Global Dementia Cases
This research marks a shift in how we view dementia - from an inevitable condition to one we can actively work to prevent. While we can't control all risk factors, the findings show clear paths for both individual and societal action to reduce dementia ri
A major new report shows that 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 health and lifestyle factors. This groundbreaking research, presented at the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference, adds uncorrected vision loss and high cholesterol to the previously known risk factors for dementia - giving us more ways to fight this condition.
Read the full report from Alzheimer's Research UK
Key Findings:
- The 14 risk factors include education quality, social isolation, hearing loss, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, air pollution, brain injury, vision loss, and high cholesterol
- Hearing loss and high cholesterol have the biggest impact, each linked to 7% of cases
- Early education and social connection each account for 5% of cases
What This Means for Prevention:
- Dementia isn't an inevitable part of aging
- Many risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes
- Regular health check-ups matter, especially for vision and hearing
- Social connection plays a bigger role than previously thought
