Take Control: 14 Risk Factors You Can Manage

A new report says that taking care of 14 lifestyle habits can stop almost half of dementia cases globally. The report suggests new risks like high cholesterol and vision loss, asking for quick action to prevent more dementia cases. The Lancet Commission report in 2024 talks about vision loss and high cholesterol as new risks for dementia. It also talks about 12 other known risks. It says it’s important to manage these risks from early on to prevent dementia. The report gives 13 suggestions for both people and governments to lower the risks. It mentions how taking these steps in England could save £4 billion. Addressing these risks from childhood onwards could stop or delay nearly half of dementia cases, which is crucial as the number of cases is expected to increase worldwide. The report was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in 2024.

The 14 identified lifestyle habits are:

1. Low Education: Ensuring high-quality education from an early age.
2. Hearing Loss: Using hearing aids and reducing exposure to harmful noise.
3. Hypertension: Managing blood pressure, especially from midlife.
4. Smoking: Reducing or eliminating tobacco use through personal choice and public policies.
5. Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
6. Depression: Treating and managing depression effectively.
7. Physical Inactivity: Engaging in regular physical activity.
8. Diabetes: Managing and preventing diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication.
9. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake to moderate levels.
10. Traumatic Brain Injury: Wearing helmets and taking precautions to avoid head injuries.
11. Air Pollution: Reducing exposure to polluted environments.
12. Social Isolation: Maintaining social interactions and relationships.
13. High LDL Cholesterol: Managing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
14. Untreated Vision Loss: Regular eye check-ups and treatment for vision impairments? (Alzheimer Europe)?? (Alzheimer’s Society)?? (UW Departments)?.

By implementing these lifestyle changes, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of dementia, benefiting individuals and society as a whole through improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.