Dementia is a syndrome, which is a group of associated symptoms, linked to the ongoing decline of the brain. Most common in people over the age of 65, it is often thought of as a condition that can happen as you get older.
While it is true that the risk of dementia increases as you age, this is not the only pre-determining factor.
In fact, research has shown that 40 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes.
These have previously been noted as factors such as limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
However, a new study has linked two more factors to increased risk of dementia – with millions of Britons affected.
Scientists have now identified untreated vision loss and high cholesterol as risk factors for dementia.
The updated Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care also found that nearly half of cases of dementia worldwide may be attributed to such risk factors.
Study findings are due to be presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia on July 31.
Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society – which part-funded the study – said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and a global crisis affecting more than 55 million people, but it’s never too early or too late to reduce your dementia risk.
“This Lancet Commission study, part-funded by Alzheimer’s Society, identifies two new risk factors for developing dementia: untreated vision loss and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [‘bad’ cholesterol].
“It also suggests that nearly half of dementia cases across the world could be delayed or prevented.”
She said that the issue is a societal one, and shouldn’t just be down to the individual.
“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by changing your lifestyle, but many must be addressed on a societal level,” she added.
“Social isolation, education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals’ control and require public health interventions and joint action between Government and industry.
“If we can support people to reduce their dementia risk and address the societal change needed, this could mean potentially hundreds of thousands fewer people in the UK will go on to develop dementia.”
High cholesterol is already a risk factor for several other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, six out of 10 adults in England have high cholesterol, with many completely unaware that they have it.
Cholesterol can be lowered by cutting out saturated fats, exercising more, giving up smoking and cutting back on alcohol.
The Lancet Commission study builds on previous research in which scientists identified 12 risk factors for developing dementia.
These are:
- Not completing secondary education
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injury
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Depression
- Physical inactivity
- Air pollution
- Social isolation
- Diabetes.