A recent study has uncovered two unexpected new risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Untreated vision loss and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol have been associated with a heightened risk of developing this prevalent form of dementia.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” is correlated with detrimental health outcomes when present in excessive quantities.
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The study, led by researchers from University College London and published in The Lancet on Aug. 10, was also presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia on July 31.
Untreated vision loss and high levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to a greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s. (iStock)
The identification of vision loss and high LDL cholesterol adds to a prior list of 12 risk factors identified by the researchers in 2020.
These 12 factors encompass hearing loss, limited education, smoking, hypertension, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury, and social isolation.
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To identify these novel risk factors, the researchers evaluated numerous recent studies on vision loss and elevated cholesterol levels.
The researchers noted that these 14 factors are accountable for almost half of global dementia cases, suggesting that eliminating them could prevent a significant number of cases.
About half of all Alzheimer’s cases can be attributed to 14 total factors, the researchers stated. (iStock)
“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by altering your lifestyle, but many necessitate intervention at a societal level,” stated Fiona Carragher, chief policy, and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K., in a news release.
(The study was partly funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.)
“Social isolation, educational disparities, and environmental pollution are outside of individuals’ control and necessitate public health interventions and collaborative efforts between governing bodies and industry.”
“I often advise patients, ‘If it’s good for the heart, it’s beneficial for the brain.’”
Although not directly involved in the study, Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, asserted that it “substantiates numerous aspects that we have recognized about dementia for several years.”
He conveyed to Fox News Digital, “The study published in Lancet indicates that heightened LDL levels (commonly known as bad cholesterol), which often stems from diet and lifestyle selections, are linked to an increased likelihood of dementia progression.”
To avoid vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular eye examinations. (iStock)
“Genetic elements can contribute to higher LDL levels — nevertheless, even in such cases, dietary adjustments can prove beneficial,” he stated.
The neurologist expressed no surprise at the association between vision loss and dementia development.
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“It has been long established that well-educated individuals who engage in reading often experience dementia later in life,” Murray stated.
“Our visual faculties are pivotal in experiencing our surroundings and fostering cognitive faculties.”
Reducing the Likelihood
In his clinical experience, Murray is frequently questioned about methods to prevent or diminish the chances of developing dementia later in life.
“Patients possess a good understanding of the features of a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle,” he conveyed to Fox News Digital.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts. (iStock)
The brain is an “extremely vascularized organ,” as the physician pointed out, indicating a close connection with the heart.
“I routinely advise patients, ‘If it’s beneficial for the heart, it’s advantageous for the brain,’” according to Murray.
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“This encompasses not only dietary alterations, such as adopting diets low in fat and cholesterol, but also lifestyle adjustments, including quitting smoking and drinking.”
There is also evidence supporting the advantages of the Mediterranean diet in delaying the onset of dementia, as mentioned by Murray.
Vocabulary List:
- Admittance /ədˈmɪt.əns/ (noun): The process of allowing entry or access to a place or service.
- Association /əˌsəʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A connection or relationship between two or more entities.
- Prevalent /ˈprɛv.ə.lənt/ (adjective): Widespread or commonly occurring in a particular area or at a particular time.
- Detrimental /ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl/ (adjective): Causing harm or damage.
- Elevated /ˈɛl.ɪ.veɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Raised to a higher position or level.
- Intervention /ˌɪntəˈvɛnʃən/ (noun): The act of interfering or intervening in a situation to change its outcome.
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