Report Finds 14 Ways to Prevent Dementia Cases

A recent report from The Lancet reveals that approximately 45% of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 identified risk factors. Published on July 31, this update from the Lancet’s Commission on dementia emphasizes the importance of tackling both lifestyle and environmental influences on cognitive health. Notably, untreated vision loss from conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, along with high levels of LDL cholesterol, have been added to the list of significant risk factors. The report underscores a growing concern, particularly in Europe, where Alzheimer Europe projects that the number of individuals living with dementia will reach 9.1 million by 2025, potentially escalating to 14.3 million by 2050. While some risk factors can be mitigated through public health initiatives promoting healthier choices, others, such as air pollution and access to nutritious food, necessitate more robust government intervention. The 14 risk factors identified 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. This report marks the third in a series initiated in 2017, which has progressively expanded the understanding of dementia risk. In light of these findings, experts are advocating for the development of a European Dementia Plan, akin to the European Beating Cancer Plan. They urge European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to honor commitments made in the European Parliament Manifesto 2024 to create and implement a dedicated strategy for dementia care and prevention.