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Dementia Risk: New Factors Revealed by Researchers
30 Nov
Summary
- High cholesterol after 40 and untreated vision loss are new dementia risk factors.
- These factors, plus 12 others, explain nearly half of all dementia cases.
- Lifestyle changes, especially in midlife, can significantly reduce dementia risk.
Recent dementia research highlights two newly identified modifiable risk factors: high cholesterol after age 40 and untreated vision loss. These, alongside 12 previously established risk factors, collectively contribute to approximately 49% of dementia cases worldwide. Neurologists explain that these factors are interconnected, with issues like high cholesterol affecting blood vessel health crucial for brain function.
Vision loss can lead to reduced engagement in brain-stimulating activities, while high LDL cholesterol can impair blood flow to the brain, potentially causing neuron damage. Experts stress the importance of proactive management of these risks through primary care physicians, especially during midlife, to prevent or slow cognitive decline.
Even for individuals already diagnosed with dementia, managing these risk factors can still slow disease progression. The brain remains adaptable, and adopting healthy lifestyle changes at any age can promote brain health. Up to 40% of dementia cases are potentially preventable through such interventions.
