Three lifestyle habits that cause dementia and how to reduce the risk

Research shows that almost half of dementia cases are caused by 12 main factors, and you can reduce your risk by quitting certain habits.

The study found that each lifestyle factor increases the risk, and eliminating these habits could reduce your risk by 40 per cent, reports Wales Online.

Contributing factors include drinking more than 10 pints or two bottles of wine per week, head injuries from accidents or sports, and living near a busy street.

These three problems were added to nine others previously known to medical experts. Lead author Professor Gil Livingstone from University College London said: “Our report shows that preventing and slowing a significant proportion of dementia is within the power of policy makers and individuals. “

Experts say there may also be ways to reduce risk “at every stage of life,” from childhood to old age.

The three emerging factors mentioned above account for 6% of cases worldwide, half of which are thought to be caused by injuries in people in their 30s to 50s.

One in 50 deaths is caused by air pollution experienced by older adults, and 1% is caused by consuming more than 21 units of alcohol each week in middle age.

A group of 28 top dementia experts updated a report on how to prevent dementia that was presented at the Alzheimer's Association of America's virtual conference.

The report builds on previous findings from 2017, which identified factors contributing to around a third (34%) of dementia cases.

The report found that midlife hearing loss (8%), leaving school early (7%) and smoking (5%) were all leading causes. Depression and loneliness (both 4%), high blood pressure and lack of sufficient exercise (both 2%), and obesity and diabetes (both 1%) also play a role in the development of dementia.

Experts suggested that governments and individuals should ensure that all children have access to primary and secondary education.

They also called for campaigns to reduce alcohol consumption and prevent head injuries, especially for people in high-risk environments or jobs.

Experts also encouraged people to use hearing aids, reduce loud noises and urgently improve air quality. They also advised that after age 40, systolic blood pressure should be kept below 130 mmHg.

Avoiding smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and staying active throughout your life is also highly recommended. Currently, approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia, and that number is expected to rise to 152 million by 2050.

Professor Livingstone said: “As a society, we need to think beyond health promotion to prevent dementia and start tackling inequalities to improve the conditions in which people live. “Risks can be reduced by creating an active and healthy environment in communities where physical activity takes place.” Activities are the norm, better food is provided for everyone, and exposure to excess alcohol is minimized. ”

This is especially likely in low- and middle-income countries, where about two-thirds of people with dementia live. Fiona Carragher, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: “While news that 40% of dementia cases could theoretically be prevented is certainly welcome, thousands of people are still struggling with their memory, relationships and identity. “We're going to need more power to prevent it from being taken away.” More than just this knowledge.

“While we don't have all the answers yet, we can take action now to address risk factors that we can control, such as heavy drinking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Public health policies are needed to address other factors such as air pollution and inequalities in early childhood education.

“This Lancet Commission update, part-funded by the Alzheimer's Society, should spur government action. It helps inform how we cope and is essential to combating this problem: the growing number of people living with dementia.”

Dementia patients are particularly susceptible to coronavirus infection because they are older and have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure.

Researchers said people should not be admitted to care homes to protect existing residents. More than 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, and that number is expected to rise to 2 million by 2050.

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