Almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, study finds

A recent study published in the Lancet indicates that nearly half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. The number of individuals living with dementia is projected to rise to 153 million by 2050, posing significant challenges to health and social care systems, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually. The research highlights that factors such as low education levels, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, and social isolation contribute to dementia risk. New findings also identify high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and untreated vision loss as additional risk factors. The lead author, Prof. Gill Livingston, emphasizes that it is never too early or too late to take preventive action, which can include regular exercise, cognitive activities, and lifestyle changes. The report suggests that public health interventions, such as making hearing aids and vision screenings accessible, could significantly reduce dementia rates and improve quality of life. Economic modeling indicates that implementing these recommendations could save the UK £4 billion by promoting healthier aging. Experts stress the importance of addressing societal factors like education inequalities and air pollution, which require coordinated efforts between government and industry. While age and genetics remain significant risk factors, the study offers hope that proactive measures can mitigate the impact of dementia on individuals and society.