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High cholesterol and vision loss are new preventable risk factors for dementia, say scientists
The list of confirmed dementia risk factors has been updated to 14, adding two more, and it turns out they can be completely preventable.
In an updated report revealed at the Alzheimers Association International Conference, researchers conclude that theres now sufficient evidence to add uncorrected vision loss�and�high cholesterol to the list of risk factors.�Thankfully, these two new potential indicators can be managed to reduce the risk of dementia.
Research finds two new dementia risk factors
Dementia refers to the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities, devastating many lives already and scientists are working tirelessly to find causes, prevention, and treatment options, including a recent genetic mutation discovery.
The 2024 update of the Lancet Commission on Dementia provides new hopeful evidence about the prevention, intervention, and care – including an updated list of the 14 confirmed dementia risk factors.
12 risk factors were published in 2020 report of the Lancet Commission, meaning there are now two more than previously recognized.
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The compelling new evidence shows that high LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss are the additional risk factors for dementia.
A risk factor is something that affects the likelihood of something happening, in this case developing dementia. ‘Non-modifiable’ risk factors are out of anyone’s control, such as age and inherited genes. However, modifiable risk factors are those that can be influenced by individuals, or policymakers such as the government, Alzheimer’s Research UK explains.
Research suggests that overall, around 45% of cases of dementia are potentially preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors at different stages during life.�
Scientists say they are preventable
LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. Medline Plus explains that it can be “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.
High cholesterol�is a common, treatable condition that increases the risk of several other serious conditions, including strokes and blood vessel damage. Cholesterol can be lowered by eating healthily and exercising more, or taking medicine such as statins.
Nearly one in three people who experience a stroke go on to develop vascular dementia, highlighting how high cholesterol may at least in part contribute to dementia risk. Other studies also suggest that it may be linked to a build-up of proteins called amyloid and tau both of which are key features of Alzheimers disease.
Uncorrected vision loss can include not wearing glasses for short, or long-sightedness over a very long period of time. Research particularly identified an increase in dementia risk among people with the conditions of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts – if they go untreated.
These eye conditions are linked to inflammation and blood vessel damage, which contribute to diseases like Alzheimers. More research is needed to understand exactly how this increases risks.
