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Dementia: 12 changeable lifestyle factors that could lower risk of developing disease

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Dementia: 12 changeable lifestyle factors that could lower risk of developing disease

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

Research shows there are factors which can increase your risk of dementia(InYourArea)

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.

There are now 12 lifestyle factors which could lead to dementia(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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.

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