Understand and reduce the risk of dementia
Dementia is one of the great Health challenges of our time. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care has identified a total of 14 lifestyle factors in a pioneering report, which can increase the risk of developing dementia. This commission consists of 27 leading international dementia researchers who not only show risks with their knowledge, but also offer ways to prevention.
The 14 factors can be divided into several areas of life and include both physical and psychological aspects and social influences. It is particularly exciting that many of these factors can be influenced – that is, they offer starting points for prevention measures.
The 14 risk factors at an overview
The identified lifestyle factors include:
- Lack of exercise: If you are physically inactive, you have a higher risk of dementia. Movement promotes blood flow to the brain and has a positive effect on cognitive health.
- Smoke: Tobacco consumption damages blood vessels and nerve cells – factors that play a role in the development of dementia.
- Alcohol abuse: High alcohol consumption can damage brain cells and impair cognitive performance.
- obesity: Obesity, especially in the middle age, increases the risk of later developing dementia.
- Hypertension: Chronically high blood pressure can affect the brain blood supply.
- diabetes: Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels can promote inflammation processes that damage the brain.
- Hearing loss: An untreated hearing loss in the middle phase of life is one of the most important risk factors.
- Low education: A low level of education, especially at a young age, reduces the so -called “cognitive reserve”.
- depression: Sustainable depressive episodes are related to an increased risk of dementia.
- Social isolation: The lack of social contacts can negatively affect mental health.
- Air pollution: Pollutants in the air can cause inflammation and damage in the brain.
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries increase this risk of dementia.
- Bad Nutrition: An unbalanced diet that is poor in vitamins and antioxidants can affect brain health.
- Bad sleep: Chronic lack of sleep or sleep disorders can promote neurodegenerative processes.
Prevention: an active lifestyle as a key
The good news: Many of these factors can be influenced by conscious decisions. An active lifestyle that includes physical exercise, healthy nutrition, social contacts and intellectual activities, makes a significant contribution to reducing the risk. The early treatment of hearing loss or high blood pressure can also make a big difference. The Lancet Commission estimates that up to 40–45 % of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeted measures in these areas. The early treatment of hearing and visual loss, a healthy lifestyle and the promotion of social and mental activities play a central role here.
Social responsibility
In addition to the individual measures, the researchers also emphasize the role of politics. The fight against air pollution, access to education and the promotion of health programs are central adjustment screws in order to prevent dementia at the social level.
The Lancet Commission shows that prevention is a lifelong task that requires both individual and structural approaches. Whoever starts early on in your own Health Investing, the risk of later dementia development can significantly reduce – a motivating approach that makes hope.