A groundbreaking study set to be published this week reveals that half of dementia cases could be prevented through the adoption of healthier lifestyles and a more environmentally-friendly approach. The Lancet Commission on Dementia will list 14 lifestyle and environmental factors that, if altered, could reduce the risk of developing the disease. This includes eating less, staying active, cutting out alcohol and cigarettes, and exercising the brain.
The report also highlights a new blood test that can predict Alzheimer’s with 90% accuracy, potentially improving diagnoses and allowing more patients to access effective treatments in the early stages of the disease. The update will be presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia and emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of dementia, even for individuals with a high genetic predisposition.
The weight of scientific evidence continues to grow in this area, with the new report adding two additional lifestyle and health risk factors. It calls for governments to intervene early to help individuals reduce their risk of dementia. By making these changes, the onset of dementia could be delayed or avoided in at least 40% of cases.
One individual, Sarah Kennedy, who has experienced the impact of dementia on her parents, is determined to reduce her own risk and prevent her children from going through the same challenges. She emphasizes the need for a shift towards prevention-focused healthcare and increased education about the link between dementia and broader health factors. By taking control of lifestyle choices, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of dementia and live longer, healthier lives.
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