C an one truly prevent dementia? From special tea drinks to mental exercises, multiple strategies exist to stave off senility. For those with parents suffering from memory loss, anxiety about one’s own future cognitive health sets in. However, researchers have relentlessly reviewed this topic and recently released an updated list for us all to work with.
Population studies reveal that the current 57.5 million dementia cases in 2019 will increase to 152.8 million cases worldwide by 2050. Females currently outnumber males: for every 100 men with dementia, 169 women are suffering as well. The trend of females outnumbering males will persist by 2050.
When I was in medical school, a much-loved attending told me to expect 80% of people over the age of 80 to develop some form of memory loss. However, some factors have correlated with reducing dementia and have been seen in healthier individuals.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care periodically convenes to review the research regarding dementia and evaluates for factors that appear to increase risk. The last release of this study was in 2020, in which 12 factors were described as making a difference in dementia development rates.
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Now, they have added two more, vision loss, and high cholesterol, as affecting dementia risk negatively. This analysis evaluated those components of our lives that we can modify and excluded genetic factors from this list.
Also, keep in mind that not all those who had these factors were free from ever developing dementia; they found that in comparison to peers with less-healthy lifestyles, people lived fewer years with dementia, thereby increasing years free of illness. This makes it helpful to try to change what we can affect.
Their findings conclude that the potential for dementia reduction is linked to these 14 factors: Education; hearing loss; depression; head trauma from sports and bike riding; physical activity; smoking; hypertension; obesity; type 2 diabetes; alcohol drinking; social isolation; air pollution; vision loss; and high LDL.
The researchers recommend interventions to assist individuals and policymakers in reducing overall dementia incidence.
As physicians, this analysis helps us when counseling our patients regarding the harmful effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are my bullet points on what you can do with the recently released commission report.
ENCOURAGE PURSUITS OF “COGNITIVELY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES.” The interpretation for this can vary, but consider that word finds may not be cognitively stimulating enough. I would consider learning a new language, playing number puzzles, or reading.
OBTAIN HEARING EVALUATIONS and aids earlier for hearing loss.
TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE DEPRESSED. If you feel a loved one may have depression, talk with them and encourage them to seek a consultation with their doctor.
WEAR A HELMET IF YOU ENGAGE IN CONTACT SPORTS OR CYCLING. If you have a penchant for motorbiking, you must wear a helmet.
STOP SMOKING! Enough said.
EXERCISE! Aim for 30 minutes 5 days a week.
WATCH YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO EAT! If you have hypertension, measure your blood pressure at home and take the recordings to your doctor at your next appointment. The readings you take at home will enable your doctor to manage your medications better.
GET YOUR CHOLESTEROL CHECKED. Ask for dietary interventions to help reduce your LDL cholesterol. Remember, there are three main cholesterols and only one of them is good (HDL).
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT. If you are obese, go to your doctor to see if you are eligible for obesity treatment.
REDUCE ALCOHOL USAGE. If you are uncertain on whether you drink too much, consider discussing it with your doctor. Contrary to common belief, a daily glass of wine may not be the safest addition to your evening meal.
LONER? Participate in social functions with others. Attend church or volunteer. Accept party invitations. Don’t make excuses.
GET YOUR VISION CHECKED regularly to detect changes early.
REDUCE TIME spent in air pollution.
For those who are already affected by dementia, several effective treatments exist to slow down the decline of both memory loss and psychiatric symptoms. Seek care with a physician for you or your loved one to start these treatments early.
We can help our future selves by paying attention to the factors above and making a difference today.
Sources:
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet Standing Commission. Lancet. Published online July 30, 2024. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0.
GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators. Estimation of the global prevalence of dementia in 2019 and forecasted prevalence in 2050: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet Public Health. 2022;7(2):e105-e125. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00249-8.
Dr. Naznin Jamal is a Jefferson Regional Medical Center hospitalist.