Two new Dementia risk factors discovered as millions of Americans suffer from them

Dementia, often linked with those over 65 and seen as an age-related condition, is not solely caused by getting older . Research shows that certain lifestyle changes could prevent up to 40 per cent of dementia cases .

These changes include familiar advice such as cutting down on alcohol, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, groundbreaking research has now connected untreated vision loss and high cholesterol levels to an increased risk of dementia.

The updated findings from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care indicate that nearly half of global dementia cases might be related to these factors.

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The research was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia on July 31. Fiona Carragher, the Alzheimer's Society's chief policy and research officer and co-sponsor of the study, stated: "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 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ['bad' cholesterol]. It also suggests that nearly half of dementia cases across the world could be delayed or prevented."

She stressed that the challenge is a societal one, not just down to individual choices. "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," she noted.

"Social isolation, education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals' control and require public health interventions and joint action between Government and industry."

High cholesterol is already recognised as a risk factor for several other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and heart attack.

John Hopkins medicine reports that approximately 71 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol. Cholesterol levels can be reduced by eliminating saturated fats, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.

It's estimated that over a billion people worldwide live with untreated vision impairment, while in the US alone, more than 3.4 million people over the age of 40 are blind or have significant visual impairment.

The Lancet Commission study builds upon earlier research identifying 12 risk factors associated with the development of dementia. These risk factors include:

• Not completing secondary education
• Hearing loss
• Traumatic brain injury
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Depression
• Physical inactivity
• Air pollution
• Social isolation
• Diabetes

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