You may be at risk of dementia without realising it. Many people assume dementia is solely a consequence of ageing, but a new study funded by the Alzheimer’s Society has identified two additional risk factors.
According to the updated Lancet Commission study, untreated vision loss and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, could increase the risk of developing dementia. The NHS recommends keeping LDL levels below 4mmol/L, explaining that “high cholesterol occurs when you have too much of a fatty substance in your blood”.
The 2024 update from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and Care suggests nearly half of the dementia cases worldwide may be linked to various risk factors, which highlights the potential to “delay or prevent dementia” by addressing these factors – and ensuring we don’t ignore any signs and symptoms of these risks. While some dementia risk factors are unavoidable, many can be managed or reduced with the right support.
Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, emphasised that proactive steps can help lower the risk.
She said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and a global crisis affecting more than 55 million people, but it’s never too early or too late to reduce your dementia risk.
“This Lancet Commission study, part-funded by Alzheimer’s Society, identifies two new risk factors for developing dementia: untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol. It also suggests that nearly half of dementia cases across the world could be delayed or prevented.
“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by changing your lifestyle, but many must be addressed on a societal level. Social isolation, education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals’ control and require public health interventions and joint action between Government and industry.
“If we can support people to reduce their dementia risk and address the societal change needed, this could mean potentially hundreds of thousands fewer people in the UK will go on to develop dementia.”
What are the risk factors for dementia?
- older age
- genes (inherited risk)
- other long-term health conditions
- lifestyle – for example, smoking and excessive alcohol use
- sex and gender
- cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to keep working despite having disease
Some dementia risk factors, like ageing and inherited genes, are beyond our control. However, many others can be adjusted. Embracing healthier lifestyles or living in supportive environments can help individuals reduce their risk of developing dementia. While early intervention is ideal, making positive changes at any stage of life can still be beneficial.
These risk factors primarily relate to dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. However, limited research has explored risk factors for rarer forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
How can I lower my cholesterol?
The NHS says that eating less fatty foods can help. This is because it often contains a type of fat called saturated fat with them urging people to “check labels on food to see what type of fat it has in it.”
You should also try to eat more:
- oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
- olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils
- brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta
- nuts and seeds
- fruits and vegetables
In addition to this, try eating less:
- meat pies, sausages and fatty meat
- butter, lard and ghee
- cream and hard cheese, like cheddar
- cakes and biscuits
- food that contains coconut oil or palm oil
In addition to these diet changes, try exercising more and cutting down on how much you drink (alcohol) and smoke. If you can, stop smoking altogether.
The NHS says: “Smoking can raise your cholesterol and make you more likely to have serious problems like heart attacks, strokes and cancer.”
If you want to stop smoking, you can get help and support from:
- your GP
- the NHS Stop Smoking Service – your GP can refer you or you can ring the helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only)
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
