New research underscores the importance of early prevention in reducing dementia risk and its economic impact. The findings suggest that addressing 14 key risk factors from childhood could significantly lower the number of dementia cases worldwide.
Presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, the study highlights the economic benefits of large-scale preventative measures. Published in The Lancet, the report offers recommendations for governments to mitigate dementia risks.
The 14 identified risk factors include high cholesterol and vision loss, which together account for a substantial number of dementia cases. The 2020 Lancet Commission had previously identified 12 risk factors linked to 40% of all dementia cases: alcohol abuse, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, air pollution, brain injury, physical inactivity, depression, social isolation, hearing loss, and lower levels of education. The new report adds high cholesterol (7% of cases) and vision loss (2% of cases).
Dementia, which affects memory, communication, and thinking, is not a normal part of aging, though the risk increases with age. The main types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia (which may occur with Parkinson’s disease), frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia.
With the global population aging rapidly, the number of people with dementia is expected to nearly triple by 2050, rising from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million. In lower-income countries, increased life expectancy is causing a surge in dementia cases. The worldwide economic impact of dementia is estimated to exceed $1 trillion annually.
The research emphasizes the importance of early prevention and comprehensive public health strategies to address the growing dementia crisis.
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