A New Study Finds Two New Risks For Dementia

2nd Aug 2024

A major new study in The Lancet identifies visual loss and high cholesterol as risk factors for dementia. Amongst other significant risk factors associated with dementia are hearing loss, social isolation, less education and air pollution.

Health issues linked to increased dementia risk

Image: bbc.co.uk

The researchers make the following recommendations to reduce the risk of dementia:

• making hearing aids accessible for those with hearing loss

• ensuring good-quality education for all

• supporting people to give up cigarettes

• encouraging exercise and sport

• reducing high blood pressure from the age of 40

• treating high cholesterol, from from mid-life

• treating obesity as early in life as possible

• reducing problem drinking

• making sure people are not socially isolated or lonely

• screening for eyesight problems and giving glasses to those who need them

• reducing people's exposure to air pollution

Resources

1. The Lancet Commission Report

2. BBC health news