New Dementia Risk Factors Identified: Education and Air Quality Key in Prevention

The Lancet Commission's latest report identifies high 'bad' cholesterol and vision loss as new risk factors for dementia. Recommendations include quality education, reduced air pollution, and lifestyle changes. The study emphasizes early and comprehensive intervention to mitigate risks, potentially having significant economic and health benefits globally.

High levels of 'bad' cholesterol and vision loss are now added to the list of risk factors for dementia, according to a new report by the Lancet Commission.

The report advises addressing these risk factors from childhood and monitoring them throughout life to potentially delay or prevent dementia, even in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

Quality education for children and reducing air pollution are highlighted as pivotal measures to combat the disease, according to the 2024 Lancet Commission for dementia.

The international research team, led by experts from University College London, UK, attributes about nine percent of global dementia cases to these newly identified risk factors, with high 'bad' cholesterol in mid-life accounting for seven percent and untreated vision loss in later life for two percent.

The commission underscores the importance of lifelong public health strategies. Dementia impairs cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and decision-making, significantly impacting daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia.

Previously identified risk factors include lower education levels, air pollution, and health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression, accounting for 40 percent of global cases.

Global dementia cases are projected to almost triple, rising from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million by 2050. A recent study estimated that in India, around 34 million older adults suffer from mild cognitive impairment.

The report calls for ambitious action from governments and individuals to tackle these risks throughout life, arguing for early intervention.

Lead author Gill Livingston from University College London stressed the importance of targeting those most vulnerable, including individuals in low- and middle-income countries and socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

Thirteen recommendations for reducing dementia risk were suggested, including quality education for children, cognitive activity in mid-life, addressing high 'bad' cholesterol, and effective treatment for depression.

Other recommendations include reducing air pollution through clean air policies, controlling smoking, and reducing salt and sugar content in foods.

An economic impact study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal suggests that implementing such recommendations in England could save more than GBP four billion and gain approximately 70,000 years in perfect health.

Potential benefits could be even greater in countries lacking extensive public health interventions like smoking bans and compulsory education.

(With inputs from agencies.)