In 2024, The Lancet Commission on dementia identified 14 modifiable risk factors. Removing them could in theory prevent about 45% of future dementia cases. They are: low education, hearing loss, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, head injury, air pollution, social isolation, high “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in midlife and untreated vision loss in later life.
What’s new
The last two factors, high LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss, were only added to the list in 2024. Many of the factors are also linked to heart health, so what is good for the heart is often good for the brain.
What this means for you
- Have your hearing and vision checked, and use hearing aids or glasses if needed.
- Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Stay active, keep up social connections and get depression treated.
Sources
- Livingston G. et al. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01296-0