Lancet commission on dementia finds 14 risk factors that could reduce cases by 45%

The Lancet Commission on Dementia has identified 14 risk factors that could potentially reduce dementia cases by 45%. Recent research underscores the significance of untreated vision loss due to glaucoma or cataracts and high LDL cholesterol as new contributors to the disease.

With advancements in biomarkers for Alzheimer’s detection and updated definitions of its progression, the findings are timely. Alzheimer Europe projects that the number of people living with dementia in the EU will increase from 9.1 million in 2025 to 14.3 million by 2050. Currently, dementia is the third leading cause of death, imposing an economic burden of €392 billion.

Professor Gill Livingston of University College London, a report author, highlighted the hopeful aspect of the findings. She noted that reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing high blood pressure can significantly decrease dementia risk. However, addressing risk factors like air pollution and ensuring access to nutritious food will require substantial government intervention.

The 14 identified risk factors include less education, hearing loss, hypertension, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, social isolation, untreated vision loss, and high LDL cholesterol.