New Risks for Dementia: Vision Loss and High Cholesterol Added to List

A new report by the Lancet Commission highlights vision loss and high cholesterol as additional risk factors for dementia. Researchers stress the importance of lifelong monitoring and preventive measures starting from childhood, including quality education and reducing air pollution. The study suggests most dementia cases now link to newly added and previously identified factors.

Loss of vision and elevated levels of 'bad' cholesterol have been identified as new risk factors contributing to dementia, according to a report by the Lancet Commission.

Researchers emphasize that addressing these risk factors from childhood and regularly monitoring them throughout life can help delay or even prevent the onset of dementia, particularly in individuals with a high genetic predisposition.

The 2024 Lancet Commission report advocates for quality education for children and reduced air pollution to mitigate the risk. An international team, led by University College London, found that about nine percent of global dementia cases are linked to these newly added factors, with seven percent due to mid-life high cholesterol and two percent due to untreated vision loss in later life.

(With inputs from agencies.)