Reacción a "Vision loss and high cholesterol are risk factors for dementia"

Harmful lifestyle habits can significantly increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyles, sleep disturbance or poor sleep quality, malnutrition, unhealthy diet, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, among others, can increase the accumulation of toxic proteins, reduce cognitive reserve, induce diabetes and cause cognitive decline, thus increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. While ageing and gender are non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, other factors can be reduced or avoided, accounting for up to 45% of the odds of developing late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

The new study published in The Lancet reviews modifiable risk factors for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, providing a large epidemiological study that supports these factors and their intervention. Twelve of them were already known, such as brain contusions, hypertension, diabetes, hearing loss, depression, social isolation and even air pollution. In addition, two new risk factors not previously considered have been included: vision loss and high cholesterol levels.

Changes in lifestyle habits are recommended as early as possible to prevent or even improve the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's, as these actions also benefit general health. It should be noted that prevention and interventions should not only be carried out by the individual, but also [should] be supported by governmental policies at local and international level, targeting high-risk groups.