New research suggests that nine lifestyle factors altogether account for about one third of dementia cases.
With no drugs currently available to halt the progress of dementia, scientists are turning their attention to the influence of lifestyle factors and trying to identify the crucial changes to help prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline. In a new report from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care, international experts named nine lifestyle factors that they believe to be responsible for 35 percent of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s.
They found that getting a better education in early life and dealing with hearing loss, high blood pressure and obesity in mid-life could reduce the incidence of dementia by up to 20 per cent. In later life, the crucial steps were stopping smoking, treating depression, increasing physical activity, managing diabetes and enhancing social contact. The Lancet Commission believes this could reduce dementia rates by a further 15 per cent. According to the report, a ten percent reduction in the prevalence of seven of the most important health and lifestyle factors could reduce the number of dementia cases worldwide by more than a million.
Read the full coverage here.
It appears that getting adequate sleep is also an important preventative. This is not mentioned in the full coverage article. Sleep apparently helps remove plaque build-up in the brain, ergo, lack of sleep may be a risk factor for the development of AD.
Does severe Sleep Apnea have any connection to Cognisant Impairment? I have been diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea (waking 57 times per hour) & have used a sleep apnea machine for 14 yrs years. Now aged almost 79 yrs old I have been told I have Cognisant Impairment. Could the Sleep Apnea be connected to Cognisant Impairment?
I find CBD oil very helpful for supporting a good nights sleep.
After reading an article on asprin in relation to cognisence decline, I have been taking asprin daily and feel that this is helping. I have frequent head pain and the asprin keeps the pain under control. I have not had tests for brain damage but I am becoming forgetful etc. I would appreciate info on ways to slow or halt any damage that may be happening. J
Hello Jane, please contact a memory center or neurologist closest to you. As per our comment rules, Consult Your Physician – Being Patient does not give medical advice, nor is any information on the site intended to be prescriptive medical advice. If you have any questions about your health or the health of your loved one, please consult your physician for any and all medical-related questions.
I recently have had some memory problems and have sought out medical care. I have a mildly elevated level of Tau proteins. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.