Although it’s still unknown what triggers dementia, scientists are becoming more clued up about risk factors, and they know that the process begins many years before symptoms appear.
Research shows that several lifestyle factors associated with cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing it, such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the NHS. This means some of the factors can be identified and managed, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, or losing weight if you need to. So, middle aged Brits have been urged to keep a closer eye on six everyday health measures that are linked with an associated risk of dementia.
Speaking to The Telegraph, psychiatrist and professor of Psychiatry of Older People at University College London (UCL), Gill Livingston, revealed six factors to keep an eye on.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure often causes no obvious symptoms, with around five million cases in the UK thought to be undiagnosed.
But raised blood pressure in midlife can significantly increase the risk of dementia later on, says Prof Livingston. It can damage and narrow blood vessels supplying the brain, reducing oxygen and nutrients and weakening the blood-brain barrier.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol is another silent risk factor. High levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, narrowing the blood vessels supplying the brain. Knowing your LDL level in midlife may therefore help protect your long-term brain health.
Blood sugar
Raised blood sugar and insulin resistance have also been linked to cognitive decline. Getting older, carrying too much body fat and being physically inactive all increase your risk of high blood sugar.
Hearing
Aside from cardiovascular markers, research suggests that other factors are also important, although this does not mean these factors are directly responsible for causing dementia. One of these hearing loss.
Hearing is a major source of “cognitive stimulation”, so when it is impaired, the brain has to work harder to process sounds and fill in missing words. It can also make people withdraw from social situations, increasing loneliness and isolation, which have been linked to the disease.
Sight
Untreated sight problems have also been linked to cognitive decline, although Prof Livingston says the evidence is less clear than it is for hearing.
A 2021 study found people who had cataract surgery had a 29% lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not. A simple eye test can check your eye health.
Waist circumference
Finally, your waist size could offer another clue about future dementia risk. Obesity between the ages of 35 and 65 can increase the risk of dementia later in life by around 30%, according to a prominent meta-analysis. Obesity is also linked to high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both established dementia risk factors.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
