Preventing Dementia

Various lifestyle changes and health interventions might theoretically prevent up to a third of dementia cases, according to a new report.

This report highlighted the potential to prevent or delay some dementia cases by managing issues like depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and hearing loss, stop smoking and increase exercise among other factors.

As of 2015, around 47 million people around the world were found to have dementia. That figure could reach 131 million by 2050, the report authors noted. Dementia is a broad term and includes many disorders that affect the brain. A common symptom of dementia is memory loss. Those with dementia may not be able to perform activities, such as getting dressed or eating. 

The 24 dementia experts who contributed to this report said that reducing hearing loss, managing high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, increasing social engagement, exercising more, treating depression and quitting smoking could potentially prevent or delay some dementia cases. 

The experts reviewed many past studies and developed evidence-based recommendations for treating and preventing dementia. 

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist on how to reduce your risk for dementia. 

The Lancet published this report.

University College London, the Alzheimer's Society, UK, the Economic and Social Research Council and Alzheimer's Research UK supported this research. Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies.