Lancet Commission Flags 14 Dementia Risks, Says Nearly 50% of Cases Are Preventable
Updated
Updated · The Senior News · Jul 4
Lancet Commission Flags 14 Dementia Risks, Says Nearly 50% of Cases Are Preventable
3 articles · Updated · The Senior News · Jul 4
Summary
Nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, the 2024 Lancet Commission found, by tackling 14 modifiable risks across midlife and later life.
Midlife risks cluster around heart health—high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, excess alcohol, depression, hearing loss and traumatic brain injury—while later-life risks include social isolation, air pollution and untreated vision loss.
Mediterranean-style eating, limiting sugar, and about 40 minutes of mixed aerobic and resistance exercise five times a week were highlighted as practical ways to protect both cardiovascular and brain health.
Regular social contact, mentally stimulating activities such as crosswords or puzzles, and six to seven hours of sleep may help build cognitive reserve, which researchers say makes the brain more resilient to age-related decline.
Experts said the remaining dementia risk comes from non-modifiable factors such as age and genetics, but small lifestyle changes can still materially reduce overall risk.