Studies reveal that the number of people living with some form of dementia is expected to double in the next 25 years. In such a scenario, researchers have recently found that 17 isolated factors have the largest influence on two of the most common forms of dementia: Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Though some of the factors contributing to the illness cannot be altered, including age, sex and genetics, some are under one's control. Alcohol consumption, physical activity and smoking could be controlled.
As per the recent study, six main factors contribute to half of the dementia cases:
Blood pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure), especially during midlife, poses a major risk for dementia. Chronic high blood pressure causes brain damage as well, leading to cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Diabetes: Particularly Type 2 diabetes, significantly increases the risk of dementia. Studies say that the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is up to 73 per cent. Insulin resistance is one of the major reasons, as brain cells may become resistant to insulin, impairing glucose metabolism, which is crucial for cognitive function. Vascular damage and secondary illness could promote the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau proteins (two protein lesions which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease).
Smoking: It is estimated that smoking increases the risk of developing dementia by 30-50 per cent. Midlife smokers are at a greater risk. Smoking can lead to several other issues, including vascular damage and brain atrophy.
Pollution: Studies have shown that 1 in 4 dementia deaths are linked to air pollution. The prime pollutant linked to cognitive decline is PM2.5, NO2, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide.
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Lack of social contact: Social isolation or loneliness could also trigger dementia. Lack of social contact means less interaction with people, which causes reduced cognitive stimulation, depression, and poor physical health. It accelerates cognitive decline.
Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity is strongly linked to dementia. Studies reveal that sedentary behaviour, particularly more than 10 hours a day, significantly increases this risk in older adults.
