Two surprising new risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are highlighted in a new study.
Untreated vision loss and elevated LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to a higher likelihood of developing the common type of dementia.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad cholesterolIt is associated with negative health effects when present in high quantities.
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Researchers at University College London led the study, published in The Lancet on August 10.
The findings were also presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia on July 31.
Untreated vision loss and elevated LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. (iStock)
Vision loss and high LDL cholesterol join a list of 12 other risk factors that researchers previously identified in 2020.
Those 12 are hearing lossless education, smoking, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury and social isolation.
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To identify the two new risk factors, researchers analyzed dozens of recent studies on vision loss and high cholesterol.
The 14 factors in total are responsible for about half of dementia cases worldwide, the researchers said, meaning that eliminating them could potentially prevent many cases.
About half of all Alzheimer's cases can be attributed to a total of 14 factors, the researchers said. (iStock)
“Some risk factors for dementia, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise“They can be managed through lifestyle changes, but many need to be addressed at a societal level,” Fiona Carragher, director of policy and research at Alzheimer's Society UK, said in a news release.
(The study was partly funded by the Alzheimer's Society.)
“Social isolation, educational inequalities and air pollution are beyond the control of individuals and require public health interventions and joint action between government and industry.”
“I tell patients all the time, 'If it's healthy for your heart, it's healthy for your brain.'”
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a Certified Neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study but said it “confirms a lot of things we've known about dementia for several years.”
To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular eye exams. (iStock)
“Genetic factors may influence elevated LDL levels; however, even in these patients, dietary modifications may also be beneficial.”
The neurologist was also not surprised by the relationship between vision loss and the development of dementia.
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“We have known for years that patients who have higher levels of education “People who are 'well-read' often develop dementia at a much later age,” Murray said.
“We rely heavily on sight to interact with our environment and stimulate cognitive thinking.”
Reduce the risk
In his practice, Murray said, he is often asked about ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts. (iStock)
The brain is a “very vascular organ,” the doctor noted, meaning it is closely linked to the heart.
“I tell patients all the time, 'If it's healthy for your heart, it's healthy for your brain,'” Murray said.
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“This includes not only dietary changes, such as low-fat and low-cholesterol diets, but also lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.”
There is also evidence that the Mediterranean diet It may be beneficial in delaying the onset of dementia, Murray said.
“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular perspective and can also help from a mental perspective,” said a neurologist. (iStock)
“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular perspective and can also help from a mental perspective,” he added.
Participating in cognitively stimulating activities is also known to delay the possible onset of dementia, according to Murray.
“I tell my patients to find some cognitively challenging activity that they enjoy, whether it's putting together puzzles or reading challenging books,” she said.
“These activities can maintain a higher level of cognitive abilities and delay the onset of dementia.”
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect vision and promote heart health, doctors say. (iStock)
To prevent loss of visionThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular eye exams, wearing protective eyewear in high-risk environments, and wearing sunglasses to prevent UV exposure.
Knowing your family's eye health history, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking can also prevent vision loss, the agency added.
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