Scientists have identified 15 factors that significantly increase the risk of developing early dementia
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Lifestyle can influence the development of early dementia in people. Scientists have identified 15 main factors that increase the risk.
Among them is a low level of education and social isolation, writes Health. The results of the study were published in the journal Jama Neurology.
More than 350,000 people participated in the study. During their follow-up, doctors discovered 485 cases of dementia that were caused by improper lifestyle. Scientists managed to establish a clear connection between dementia and the factors that influence its development.
Out of 39 analyzed factors, the research group singled out 15 main ones. The list includes:
- low level of education;
- low social status;
- two copies of the APOE4 gene;
- disorders related to alcohol use;
- social isolation;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- high level of C-reactive protein;
- hearing impairment;
- diabetes;
- heart disease;
- depressive and other mental disorders;
- stroke;
- problems with blood pressure.
| Photo: AndrewLozovyi/Depositphotos |
“All of these factors increase the risk because they trigger the same fundamental mechanisms that threaten the brain,” says David Perlmutter, MD, board-certified neurologist.
Among those listed are those that can be treated, such as low blood pressure, depression, or alcohol-related disorders. And also those that cannot be changed – low social status or problems with genes.
Most importantly, all of these factors are dangerous for brain metabolism, Perlmutter explained. This means they affect how the brain can use glucose to fuel its cells. Dementia, in particular Alzheimer’s disease, is a consequence of impaired brain metabolism.
Interestingly, the factors remain the same for young and old people. In addition, they are interconnected in a certain way.
“For example, a person with an alcohol use disorder is more likely to have vitamin deficiencies, weakness, and psychiatric illness such as depression. They may suffer from hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” – explains Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, behavioral neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Importantly! This material is based on the latest and current scientific research, is exclusively informational and reference in nature and cannot be the basis for establishing a medical diagnosis. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor!
Vira Shurmakevich, “UP. Life”
Read also: 9 early signs of dementia: symptoms and how to recognize them
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