Dr. JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, shared insights on a new report regarding the preventability of dementia, which she described as both exciting and paradigm-shifting. The study, published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia in *The Lancet*, suggests that nearly 50% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors.
This report challenges the common perception of dementia as an inevitable consequence of aging with a strong genetic component. According to the study, modifying these risk factors can benefit everyone, regardless of genetic risk, emphasizing the importance of a life-course approach. It advocates for early and continuous efforts to manage these risk factors.
For years, it has been well-known that many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and even certain forms of cancer, are preventable through lifestyle modifications. Dr. Manson highlighted that similar factors, including smoking, diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, also apply to reducing the risk of dementia. The study extends this list by identifying additional risk factors relevant to dementia prevention.
The risk factors include both behavioral and cardiovascular elements. Lifestyle choices like insufficient physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are key contributors. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and diabetes, also play a significant role. On the cognitive side, social isolation, untreated hearing or vision impairment, and low educational achievement were noted as critical risks, as these factors can lead to decreased cognitive engagement and increased dementia risk.
Other factors mentioned include traumatic brain injury, often resulting from accidents or contact sports without adequate head protection, and environmental risks such as air pollution or poor air quality. Notably, the report introduced two new risk factors since the previous 2020 report: elevated LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss, both of which are manageable with proper treatment.
The findings from this study highlight that reducing dementia risk requires not only individual behavioral changes but also systemic efforts. This includes enhanced screening, improved access to care, and public policy changes aimed at reducing air pollution.
Dr. Manson pointed out that some of these risk factors, particularly social isolation, are especially relevant to women, who account for nearly two-thirds of dementia cases in the United States. She stressed the importance of educating patients about these modifiable risk factors and encouraging behavior changes, along with screening and treatment, to help lower their risk of developing dementia.
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Cite this: Dementia Deemed Highly Preventable: Here’s How - Medscape - August 14, 2024.
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