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LMU 333 – 50% of Dementia Cases Preventable with These 14 Modifiable Risk Factors

LMU-333

50% of Dementia Cases Preventable with These 14 Modifiable Risk Factors

Source: The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care (Medscape August 8, 2024)

Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 8, 2024)

We all know that we have an aging population, and that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are becoming major health challenges in our society. As there are no specific genes that account for most dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cases, it’s not surprising to learn that diet and lifestyle factors are emerging as extremely important factors that appear to account for roughly 50% of the risk of developing these problems. In 2017 the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care, cited 12 risk factors that accounted for many cases of dementia. But on July 31, 2024, they published new data showing that there are two additional risk factors that need to be added to the list. According to the 2024 report the authors state, “new compelling evidence” shows that untreated vision loss and an elevated LDL-cholesterol blood level need to be added the other 12 known risk factors for dementia. The good news is that all 14 of these risk factors can be largely controlled though a healthy diet, physical activity and proper attention to other brain health strategies.

So, the total list of modifiable risk factors for dementia now includes these 14 factors:

Hearing impairment (untreated)
Lower Level of Education
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Smoking
Obesity
Depression
Physica Inactivity
Diabetes
Excess Alcohol Consumption
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Air Pollution
Social Isolation
Untreated Vision Loss
Elevated LDL-Cholesterol

The 2024 report also outlines 13 recommendations aimed at individuals and governments to help guard against dementia. They include preventing and treating hearing loss, vision loss, and depression; being cognitively active throughout life; using head protection in contact sports; reducing vascular risk factors (high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, hypertension); improving air quality; and providing supportive community environments to increase social contact. In the Medscape Interview Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, neurologist and researcher based in Miami, Florida, said “the addition of high cholesterol (to the list of dementia risk factors) is particularly noteworthy as it reinforces the intricate connection between vascular health and brain health — a link we’ve long suspected but can now target more effectively.” So, among other things, get those bad fats out of your diet that typically raise the LDL-cholesterol and get your LDL-cholesterol checked. It should be below 2.0 mmol/L (76 mg/dl). Have regular eye exams and hearing tests as you get older. Stay fit and follow the other advice outlined by the Lancet group. In addition, I believe that everyone over the age of 55 should take a supplement each day with ingredients shown to support memory function, which include:

CDP-choline
Huperzine A
Bacopa Monnieri
Phosphatidylserine.

The overarching message is that dementia does not have to be part of the normal aging process, and that we must look beyond genes as the cause of dementias. Once again, lifestyle medicine emerges as good medicine with the potential to cut dementia risk by roughly 50%. And don’t underestimate the benefits of memory support supplement ingredients like CDP-choline, Huperzine A, Bacopa Monnieri and Phosphatidylserine. I have seen this combination of nutrients provide significant benefit to older individuals. I have provided a link to the Medscape article outlining the 2024 findings and recommendations from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care, as well as the link to The Lancet publication itself.

References:

Megan Brooks. Almost 50% of Global Dementia Cases May Be Preventable. Medscape. August 8, 2024. Almost 50% of Global Dementia Cases May Be Preventable (medscape.com)

Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024. The Lancet. July 31, 2024. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024 (thelancet.com)

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino

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Dr. James Meschino

Dr. James Meschino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.

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