DR ELLIE CANNON: Dementia ISN’T just part of old age – nearly HALF of cases can be avoided
Nobody wants to develop dementia and for good reason: it’s the most feared condition among people over 50, according to surveys. Yet most people assume there’s little they can do to protect themselves.
The update from the Lancet Commission comes as welcome proof to the contrary: you CAN, in many cases, stop dementia before it happens.
These findings make it clear that each one of us can reduce our risk of dementia. And it’s never too early to start. Much of the experts’ analysis of the available evidence points to mid-life – between the ages of 45 and 64 – as the crucial time to get healthy. From this point onwards, the effects of a poor lifestyle build up. And, as we all know, prevention is usually a much better option than attempts to cure, particularly as there is precious little to offer dementia patients at present.
So, according to the world’s leading experts, what are the risk factors you need to know about? And, crucially, what does the evidence say you need to do about them?
The update from the Lancet Commission comes as welcome proof to the contrary: you CAN, in many cases, stop dementia before it happens, writes Dr Ellie Cannon
KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
There are an estimated five million Britons living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, putting them at risk of a heart attack, stroke and, we now know, dementia.
High blood pressure, which causes few, if any, symptoms, gradually damages the tiny blood vessels which supply the brain. If it is already high in mid-life, research shows your risk of dementia increases by 60 per cent.
But studies show that reducing your readings by changing your lifestyle, or taking medication, slashes your risk by a third.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly or – as I’m forever recommending to people – invest in your own home monitoring kit for as little as £10.
AVOID TYPE 2 DIABETES
A major study that analysed research involving 2.3 million people found having diabetes makes you 60 per cent more likely to develop any form of the brain disease (file photo)
One in ten people in the UK are living with type 2 diabetes, but many might not be aware that their condition, which is caused by excess body fat, is closely linked with dementia.
A major study that analysed research involving 2.3 million people found having diabetes makes you 60 per cent more likely to develop any form of the brain disease. And the longer you have type 2 diabetes – and the worse it gets – the higher your risk becomes.
Lose weight, however, and you can put your type 2 diabetes into remission. It’s unclear whether this can reverse your dementia risk, too, but the most sensible option is to stick to a healthy diet and avoid weight gain.
LOOK AFTER YOUR HEART
Any doctor will tell you that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. If the tiny vessels that supply blood to the brain are damaged by heart disease, it makes it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach brain cells. They stop being able to work properly, which leads to dementia. But protect your heart and you’ll be doing wonders for your dementia risk too.
This means eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol low. Research has found this not only keeps your heart healthy but will also protect your memory and thinking processes.
Much of the experts’ analysis of the available evidence points to mid-life – between the ages of 45 and 64 – as the crucial time to get healthy (file photo)
LIMIT BOOZE INTAKE
One of the new risk factors identified by the Lancet Commission was alcohol – but don’t pour that nice bottle of summer rosé down the sink just yet.
They discovered that regularly drinking above 21 units of alcohol a week – at least two bottles of wine – increases dementia risk by 20 per cent.
However, the studies show that those who abstain totally have similar raised risk. Why this is the case isn’t totally clear, but teetotallers are also more likely to suffer from heart disease and diabetes – conditions that increase the risk of dementia.
I suspect they gave up drinking due to their health problems, and it’s those problems, rather than abstinence, that is increasing the risk. More research is needed, but the message seems to be that you can still enjoy a glass or two. Moderation is the key.
PROTECT YOUR BONCE
As the lockdown eases, people who want to avoid using public transport are increasingly opting to cycle, if they can.
Excess alcohol is thought to be responsible for about 8,500 cases of dementia
However, if you do get back on your bike, another persuasive argument for wearing a helmet is that a head injury – even of the mild type – puts you at greater risk of dementia in later life.
The effect builds up, so the more knocks you take, the worse your chances are.
Footballers who head the ball during training, for instance, are up to 80 per cent more likely to get the disease – which is why young player are now banned from doing so.
Some injuries are, of course, from accidents and impossible to avoid. But if you are riding your bike, motorcycle or horse, or taking part in contact sports such as boxing or rugby, it just makes sense to wear a helmet or other protective headgear.
AVOID BUSY ROADS
From traffic exhaust fumes to wood smoke, all forms of air pollution are linked to dementia.
Experts recommend that walking along major roads is avoided, and that making a detour just a street or two back from them could make a huge difference.
Some cyclists and motorbike riders rely on wearing anti-pollution masks. But unless they’re tight-fitting, they won’t have a protective effect.
BREAK A SWEAT
Studies show that moderate exercise just once a week – whether it’s a jog, exercise class or strenuous gardening – reduces the risk of dementia by 20 per cent (file photo)
Keeping fit is not just good for your heart, it can also protect you against dementia. And you’ll get the biggest benefits if you keep active in mid-life and beyond.
Studies show that moderate exercise just once a week – whether it’s a jog, exercise class or strenuous gardening – reduces the risk of dementia by 20 per cent.
Even if you start a fitness regime later in life, you’ll still benefit.
DUMP THE DOUGHNUTS
Nearly one third of adults in the UK are clinically obese, which means their body mass index (BMI) is over 30. And new evidence points to obesity being linked to a 30 per cent increased risk of dementia.
While the research found that being overweight – with a BMI of between 25 and 29 – didn’t significantly affect dementia risk, some studies do find that losing weight could still have a benefit.
One major piece of research showed that, even at age 50, losing 4.5 lb (2kg) or more can improve attention span and memory.
QUIT THE CIGARETTES
If you can quit for at least four years – even if you do it after the age of 60 – you substantially slash your risk of dementia over the next eight years (file photo)
I was delighted to see the news last month that a million British smokers had quit during the pandemic. We know smoking is catastrophic for health, but it also creates a huge dementia risk – responsible for five per cent of all cases. It’s never too late to stop, studies show. If you can quit for at least four years – even if you do it after the age of 60 – you substantially slash your risk of dementia over the next eight years.
If you’re not doing it for your own health, then do it for your family. Second-hand smoke, or passive smoking, is also associated with worsening memory.
DEPRESSED? GET HELP
Being depressed is linked to dementia – sometimes up to 25 years later, studies show. But it’s not yet clear whether it’s an early symptom of dementia or that it directly affects the brain. Either way, taking antidepressants may protect you. Some studies have found they can reduce the build up of toxic plaques that lead to Alzheimer’s, while others found they could delay the onset of dementia.
KEEP SOCIALISING
Having a more active social life at the age of 60 reduces your risk of dementia, studies show. Being married also helps, as lifelong singletons, and those who are widowed, saw their risk increase. Oddly, research has found it doesn’t seem to matter if you particularly like who you’re with, or whether the interaction was positive – just being around other humans protects your brain.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Poor sleep can stop the body clearing out the damaging proteins which lead to Alzheimer’s, according to research. Even disturbed sleep can lead to inflammation in the brain, which may ramp up production of the proteins. You should aim for more than five hours. But more than nine might carry its own health and fitness risks.
EAT PLENTY OF VEG
Green leafy veg might be even more beneficial. A study found those who ate the most had fewer problems with thinking and memory (file photo)
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and it’s only going to do you good – it’ll also help you lose weight.
The World Health Organisation recommends a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, nuts, wholegrains, beans and olive oil to protect against dementia, while keeping meat and saturated fat to a minimum. Green leafy veg might be even more beneficial. A study found those who ate the most had fewer problems with thinking and memory.
GET A HEARING AID
Hearing declines naturally with age, but those who suffer the worst hearing loss are far more likely to get dementia. In fact, significant hearing loss increases an individuals’ risk of developing the disease by 90 per cent.
According to studies, parts of the brain associated with memory shrink if we can’t hear. But those who wear hearing aids are less likely to develop the condition, or suffer age-related memory loss.
Even people with dementia who wear aids deteriorate less rapidly, too – further proof it’s never too late to take action.
Significant hearing loss increases an individuals’ risk of developing the degenerative brain disease by 90 per cent, according to studies (file photo of a hearing aid)
KEEP THE BRAIN ACTIVE
Education when young, while the brain is still developing, is crucial to reduce dementia risk. But even in adulthood, the old saying ‘use it or lose it’ rings true.
Studies have shown later retirement and working in jobs which are more mentally demanding are linked with fewer cases of dementia. One found those over 65 who read and played games frequently reduced their risk by 30 per cent.
Activities such as travelling, learning an instrument, , exercising and speaking a second language are also linked to maintaining brain function for longer.
In partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK
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