Dementia can stem from a multitude of reasons such as living on a busy road where there is pollution to having high blood pressure, not doing enough physical activity and drinking too much
Researchers say there are 12 changeable lifestyle factors that could lower risk of developing dementia.
In almost half of cases where the condition is found, there are preventable reasons for it, research has shown. But there are factors – which increase the risk a study has shown. This could dramatically reduce the toll by 40%. Drinking more than ten pints or two bottles of wine a week could affect your chances of alzheimer’s. Knocks to the head caused in accidents or sports were also cited, as was living on a busy road.
These causes have been added to nine others which have already been identified. And the ‘dirty dozen’ are the key to combating the disease, say scientists.
BristolLive reports Professor Gill Livingston, of University College London said: “Our report shows it is within the power of policy-makers and individuals to prevent and delay a significant proportion of dementia.” There are opportunities to make an impact “at each stage of a person’s life” – from childhood to old age, she added
The three latest risk factors account for 6% of cases worldwide – with 3% attributed to head injuries between your 30s and 50s. One in 50 are due to exposure to air pollution in your twilight years – and 1% to downing more than 21 units of alcohol a week in middle age.
Hearing loss in mid-life (8%) was followed by leaving school early (7%) and smoking (5%). Then came loneliness and depression (both 4%), high blood pressure and physical inactivity (both 2%) and obesity and diabetes (both 1%). Recommendations included providing primary and secondary education for all children. Authors also called for limiting alcohol intake to less than 21 units a week and head injury prevention campaigns – particularly for those in high risk occupations and transport.
And they urged the use of hearing aids, protection from high noise levels and urgent improvements in air quality. Systolic blood pressure – the highest reading – should be kept to to 130 mm Hg or less from the age of 40. Smoking, passive smoking, obesity and type 2 diabetes should be avoided – and people ought to try to stay active at all ages.
It affects individuals, their families and the economy, with global costs estimated at about US$1 trillion annually (£770bn). But in some countries the proportion of sufferers has fallen – probably due to better education, nutrition, health care and lifestyle changes.
Prof Livingston added: “As societies, we need to think beyond promoting good health to prevent dementia, and begin tackling inequalities to improve the circumstances in which people live their lives. We can reduce risks by creating active and healthy environments for communities, where physical activity is the norm, better diet is accessible for all, and exposure to excessive alcohol is minimised.”
Fiona Carragher, director of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “The news 40% of dementia cases are, in theory, now preventable is certainly welcome, but stopping thousands of people from being stripped of their memories, relationships and identities will rely on more than just this knowledge alone.
“While we don’t have all the answers yet, we can take action now to tackle the risk factors within our control, including excessive drinking, obesity and high blood pressure. Meanwhile, we need public health policies to address other factors, such as air pollution and inequalities in childhood education.”
