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News from BBC identifies main dementia risks

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Two new dementia risks identified by major report

Treating failing eyesight and high cholesterol are two new ways to lower the risk of dementia developing, a major report suggests.

Scientists have now identified 14 health issues which, if reduced or eliminated, could theoretically prevent nearly half of dementias in the world.

Middle-aged people and poorer countries have most to gain from targeting these risk factors, says the Lancet Commission’s latest report on the topic.

It predicts that the number of people living with dementia could more than double to 153 million by 2

The researchers have drawn up a list of recommendations that countries around the world should focus on, including:

  • 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 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

    Comment on Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission

     


    Nigel Kirkpatrick, medical director of Newmedica and a consultant ophthalmologist, says:


    ‘There is much food for thought in this report in how we as a society can potentially reduce the risk of people developing dementia. Eye health clinicians will note in particular the inclusion of visual loss as a risk factor by the authors. The report states “increasing evidence supports an association between untreated vision loss and dementia risk and potential modification by treatment”.

    ‘For us, one of the key messages we draw from this report is the importance of timely access to care and treatment for all patients whatever their condition. Addressing visual loss by providing access to care, as Newmedica does in support of the NHS, can only be a good thing for individuals and society.

    ‘As noted by the authors, there are many other risk factors identified by the authors – including social isolation. Again, timely access to care and reducing barriers for patients can help reduce social isolation. More widely, it means the fight against dementia needs to be fought across many different areas – but we must all play our part. We look forward to ongoing research in this area and will watch developments with interest.’

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