Drink less alcohol, avoid traffic pollution and reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Scientists say they are the three most effective things you can do to reduce your chances of developing dementia.
Researchers have previously identified a “weak spot” in the brain that begins to degenerate earlier than surrounding areas as we age.
Now, a new study has confirmed which modifiable risk factors (things that people can do something about) appear to have the greatest effect on this vulnerable region of the brain.
A team examined 161 dementia risk factors and classified them according to their impact on this brain network.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that specific parts of the brain are more vulnerable to alcohol, diabetes and traffic-related air pollution.
They did this by analyzing the brain scans of 40,000 people in the UK over the age of 45.
Scientists at the University of Oxford classified these modifiable risk factors (which can potentially be changed throughout life to reduce the risk of dementia) into 15 broad categories.
These were blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, weight, alcohol consumption, smoking, depressed mood, inflammation, pollution, hearing, sleep, socialization, diet, physical activity and the education.
The findings suggest that the brain’s “weak spot” is most vulnerable to alcohol, diabetes and traffic-related air pollution.
Professor Gwenaelle Douaud, who led the study, said: “We know that a constellation of brain regions degenerates earlier with aging, and in this new study we have shown that these specific parts of the brain are more vulnerable to diabetes, air-related with traffic, pollution (an increasingly important factor in dementia) and alcohol, all common risk factors for dementia.
“We have discovered that several genome variations influence this brain network and are implicated in cardiovascular deaths, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.”
The study analyzed the unique contribution of each controllable risk factor by looking at them all together to assess the degeneration resulting from this particular brain weakness.
Professor Anderson Winkler, co-author from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA, said: “It is with this kind of comprehensive and holistic approach, and once we have taken into account the effects of age and sex, of which three emerged as the most harmful: diabetes, air pollution and alcohol.’
Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “With no treatments still available in the UK that can stop or slow the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need to promote good brain health. and gain a deeper understanding of how dementia can be prevented.
“It is generally accepted that up to 40 per cent of dementia cases are potentially preventable, so there is a huge opportunity to reduce the personal and societal impact of dementia.
‘These fascinating findings, based on a retrospective analysis of brain scans and other data from 40,000 people who took part in the UK Biobank project, help shed more light on this issue.
«The results will need to be confirmed, both in prospective studies that follow participants over time and in a more diverse study population.
‘But they could help explain why certain groups may be more vulnerable to dementia, such as those who live in highly polluted areas.
“As we approach the general election, we want all political parties to recognize the concept and importance of brain health and make commitments that address these factors that drive dementia risk across the UK.”
The study is published in the journal Nature Communications.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of neurological disorders.
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
There are many types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience dementia in their own way.
Dementia is a global concern, but is seen more frequently in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are currently more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to increase to 1.6 million by 2040.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.
In the United States, there are an estimated 5.5 million Alzheimer’s patients. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, the risk of developing dementia also increases.
Diagnosis rates are improving, but it is believed that many people with dementia are still undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new medications can slow its progression and the earlier it is detected, the more effective the treatments can be.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society