A new report by the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care suggested that reducing the risks of dementia starting as early as childhood could lead to a significant decrease in the number of people living with the condition. The commission identified 14 risk factors that could be targeted to reduce the global trend of dementia by nearly half. The report was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, where recommendations were made for governments to prioritize large-scale interventions to reduce these risks and ultimately slow the surge of dementia worldwide. By addressing risk factors such as high cholesterol after the age of 40 and vision loss, significant social and economic benefits could be realized through the prevention of dementia.
The Lancet Commission’s initial report in 2020 outlined 12 risk factors associated with 40% of all dementia cases. These risk factors included 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 added high cholesterol after the age of 40 and vision loss as additional risk factors contributing to approximately 9% of all dementia cases. The report noted that dementia is not a normal part of aging and can affect memory, communication, and thinking, encompassing various neurodegenerative conditions.
With a rapidly aging global population, the number of people living with dementia is expected to nearly triple by 2050, from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million. In lower-income countries, longer life expectancy is leading to a surge in dementia cases, with estimated economic impacts exceeding $1 trillion annually. Experts emphasize the importance of taking a coordinated approach to combat the anticipated rise in dementia cases over the coming decades. By implementing health and government policies to address modifiable risk factors, individuals can be supported in making lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing dementia.
Public health officials stress the need to prioritize interventions to address risk factors for dementia such as social isolation, poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol use. The Surgeon General has highlighted the issue of loneliness as contributing to health problems and linked to substance abuse and obesity. Social isolation has been referred to as “the new smoking,” emphasizing the importance of social connections for healthy brain aging. Recommendations include promoting social activities, community involvement, and access to socially integrated housing to support healthy brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.
Research indicates that frequent social contact and lower levels of loneliness are associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Social interactions can help build cognitive resilience against dementia pathology and promote healthy behaviors such as exercise and a balanced diet. Studies suggest that social contact plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health and reducing stress, contributing to overall well-being and cognitive function. Experts emphasize the importance of addressing social isolation and promoting social connections as essential components of dementia prevention strategies.
Addressing risk factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and other unhealthy behaviors can play a significant role in reducing the risk of dementia. The evidence suggests that any amount of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing dementia and other health complications. Experts recommend monitoring trends in risky health behaviors and responding accordingly to reduce the prevalence of modifiable risk factors. By encouraging healthier lifestyle choices, such as reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can lower their risk of developing dementia and improve their overall brain health as they age.
