Source: Peter Kindersley/Centre for Aging Better
Three-quarters of adults age 40 and older are concerned that their brain health may deteriorate in the future, according to an AARP survey of 1,563 adults.
Many older people try strategies like doing crossword puzzles and taking nutritional supplements to prevent dementia. But do such approaches really work?
Studies show that 45% of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through a number of personal and societal changes.
A new report in the magazine lancetof July 31, 2024 highlights two new modifiable risk factors for dementia, bringing the total number of known factors to 14.
14 evidence-based modifiable risk factors for dementia
According to the 2024 report, by lancet According to the Commission on Dementia, which emphasizes prevention, intervention and care, there are 14 evidence-based, modifiable risk factors for dementia. These include:
By changing all 14 risk factors, a remarkable 45% of all dementia cases could potentially be delayed or prevented, regardless of whether the person has the APOE gene (the Alzheimer’s gene) or not.
Now that we know the modifiable risk factors to prevent or delay dementia, the Lancet Commission recommends the following to prevent or delay dementia.
Specific recommendations for preventing or delaying dementia
- Ensure that quality education is available to all and promote cognitively stimulating activities in midlife to protect cognitive abilities.
- Make hearing aids accessible to people with hearing loss and reduce harmful noise exposure to reduce hearing loss.
- Treat depression effectively.
- Encourage the wearing of helmets and head protection during contact sports and on bicycles.
- Encourage physical activity, because people who exercise and do physical activity have a lower risk of developing dementia.
- Reduce cigarette smoke through education, price controls, banning smoking in public places and making smoking cessation advice accessible.
- Prevent or reduce high blood pressure and maintain a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or less starting at age 40.
- Recognize and treat elevated LDL cholesterol levels starting in midlife.
- Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible. This will also help prevent diabetes.
- Reduce high alcohol consumption through price controls and increased awareness of the amounts and risks of excessive consumption.
- Prioritize age-appropriate and supportive community environments and housing arrangements and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities and living with others.
- Make screening and treatment of vision loss accessible to all.
- Reduce exposure to air pollution.
The lancet The Commission also recommends that prevention be pursued ambitiously and early and continued throughout life.
Did you notice that something is missing from the list?
Sleep. Anxiety. PTSD. Severe mental illness. Diet. Infection. Menopause.
The Lancet Commission also lists these areas as potential risk factors, pointing out that each of them is also linked to dementia. However, there is currently not enough research to prove that they cause dementia.
This leaves many opportunities for action for mental health providers, elder care providers, friends, family and individuals.
Accept the challenge
Review the list of recommendations above and choose an area where you would like to start making changes in your own life. Then share this list with others to help older adults get the mental health care they need.
