#geneticrisk

https://thelifesciencesmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TLM-17-10-2024-1-Genetic-Study-Uncovers-Key-Risk-Factors-for-Dementia-and-Protective-Measures-Source-neurosciencenews.com_.jpg

Source: neurosciencenews.com

Linking Modifiable Factors to Dementia Risk

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has provided new insights into the relationship between modifiable dementia risk factors. Using genomic data from over 400,000 European participants, the study established causal connections between smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and other lifestyle factors that significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. The findings, which were published on the Preprints with The Lancet server, reinforce existing health recommendations and provide new evidence to support prevention efforts.

The researchers employed Mendelian randomization, a method that utilizes genetic variations to assess the impact of certain risk factors on dementia. Their analysis revealed that genetically predicted smoking, high BMI, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels were all linked to an increased likelihood of all-cause dementia. This evidence strengthens the idea that targeting these modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and interventions can reduce the overall dementia risk.

Education and Exercise as Protective Factors

While several risk factors were found to increase dementia susceptibility, the study also identified protective elements that could mitigate the onset of the disease. Longer education periods were shown to reduce the risk of both vascular and all-cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, higher levels of physical activity demonstrated a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. These findings highlight the importance of promoting education and encouraging physical activity as preventive strategies for dementia.

Interestingly, the study found no non-linear associations between the risk factors and dementia. This means the risk remained consistent across varying levels of exposure to factors such as smoking and high BMI, emphasizing that even moderate improvements in these areas could help reduce dementia risk.

Implications for Future Research and Prevention

The study builds on reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lancet Commission for Dementia Prevention, which have long advocated for addressing modifiable risk factors to curb dementia prevalence. The Lancet Commission’s latest report estimates that nearly 45% of dementia cases could be prevented by altering lifestyle factors such as smoking and BMI. The University of Copenhagen’s research provides stronger causal evidence for these recommendations, giving further weight to the role of prevention in dementia care.

Despite the study’s contributions, the researchers noted certain limitations. For instance, individuals with severe cardiovascular diseases often die before being diagnosed with dementia, potentially skewing the data on cardiovascular conditions and dementia risk. Nevertheless, the findings offer valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of dementia and could guide future research into high-priority genetic targets for intervention.

ఒకవేళ ఒక కుటుంబంలో  కొన్ని తరాలుగా ఎవరో ఒకరికి క్యాన్సర్ వస్తుంది అంటే, ఇది యాదృచ్చికమా లేక సైంటిఫిక్ గా దీనికి ఏమైనా కారణం ఉందా అని సందేహం రావటం సహజమే. అలాగే ఒకవేళ సైంటిఫిక్ గా వంశపారంపర్యంగా క్యాన్సర్లు వస్తున్నాయంటే దీనిని నివారించడానికి వీలవుతుందో లేదో అనే భయం కూడా సహజమే. ఆ సందేహాలకు, భయాలకు తెరతీసేది అవగాహన మాత్రమే. వంశపారంపర్యంగా వచ్చే క్యాన్సర్లు మరియు వాటిని ఎలా ముందుగానే గుర్తించాలి అనే విషయాలను తెలుసుకోవటానికి ఇది పూర్తిగా చదవండి.