REUTERS / Regis Duvignau Some research has found that treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of dementia.
Although genetics plays a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, lifestyle factors also play a role. A recent study found, for example, that even people with a high genetic risk were a third less likely to develop dementia if they followed a healthy lifestyle than if they did not.
But what specific lifestyle factors are most likely to affect your chances of developing the disease? To try to answer that question, an international team of researchers analyzed 396 previous studies, including 153 randomized controlled clinical trials, considered the “gold standard” of the research. Collectively, these studies had investigated more than 100 possible modifiable risk factors for dementia. Based on that evidence, the team identified 10 factors as the most likely to increase the chances of having dementia at the end of life.
The researchers published their findings earlier this month in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. The 10 factors they identified and the quick explanations for why each appears to be associated with increased risk are listed below.
(Note: Although all of these factors are considered “modifiable,” that does not mean that people can change them all. Older adults cannot alter the amount of schooling they received early in life, for example. It is also not easy to reduce stress. easily for many people, such as those living in poverty or caring at home for a sick loved one with a serious and debilitating illness.)
- Diabetes
Diabetes has long been considered a risk factor for dementia. Scientists are not sure why, but excess glucose (sugar) in the blood, which occurs when diabetes is not controlled, is believed to damage the brain over time.
The new study says that people should be encouraged to avoid developing type 2 diabetes by adopting healthier lifestyles. It also urges those who already have diabetes to be closely monitored by their doctors for signs of cognitive decline.
- Hyperhomocysteinemia
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body when proteins are broken down. A high level of these amino acids, a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia, can damage the arteries and cause blood clots. Two decades ago, people with dementia were reported to often have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood. Since then, some research has suggested that lowering homocysteine levels may protect against cognitive decline.
The new study suggests that older people should have their blood checked regularly to determine their homocysteine level and that people with high levels should be treated with vitamin B and / or folic acid.
- Body mass index (BMI)
Being overweight or obese before age 65 is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. Adults should maintain a healthy weight, a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9, during adulthood, according to the current study. However, the study also emphasizes that people shouldn’t be “too thin.” The risk of dementia is also high for people with low weight (a BMI of less than 18.5) in middle age and adulthood.
- Education
The effect of education on dementia risk has been controversial. Several studies have found an association between a high level of education and a low risk of dementia. However, some researchers believe that such findings simply reflect the ability of highly educated people to better offset the effects of dementia. The new study recommends that people receive as much education as possible early in life.
- High blood pressure in middle age.
A large amount of research has linked high blood pressure (hypertension) in middle age (40 to 64 years) with dementia later in life. It is particularly associated with vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow in the brain. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can impede that flow by damaging the blood vessels. Some research has found that treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of dementia. The new study says that people under 65 should avoid high blood pressure by following a healthy lifestyle.
- Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which a person experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up after sitting or lying down. Low blood pressure produces less oxygen and nutrients that flow to the brain and, over time, can increase the risk of dementia. The new study suggests that doctors closely monitor people with orthostatic hypotension for signs of cognitive decline.
- Head trauma
Over the past 30 years, researchers have linked traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, to dementia later in life. Older adults with a history of moderate traumatic brain injury are 2.3 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than their peers without that history, although, as the Alzheimer’s Association notes, it is unclear whether single or repeated to create that level. risky. The new study calls on people to protect their heads from injury.
- Cognitive activity
Evidence suggests that people who keep their brains active by reading, playing a musical instrument, or taking adult education classes are less likely to develop dementia. Such activities can help strengthen synaptic connections between brain cells, connections that are known to break down with dementia. The new study recommends that people engage in mentally stimulating activities throughout their lives.
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- Stress
Research has suggested a link between chronic stress and dementia, although the reasons are unknown. However, stress is known to affect the body’s immune system, which plays a role in the development of dementia. Also, high cortisol levels of the “stress hormone” are associated with memory problems. The new study recommends that people learn how to avoid daily stress as much as possible and learn to relax the mind.
- Depression
Depression is common among people with dementia, although it is not clear whether depression causes dementia or is a sign of the disease. Research suggests, however, that depression can lead to chemical changes in the brain that damage brain cells. The new study urges people to take steps to maintain good mental health.
IMF The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry is an open access publication, so you can read the full study on its website.
