#preventdementia

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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.

We all understand that physical exercise is important. And, as we get older, even MORE SO. Physical exercise may be helpful in lowering the risk of the onset of dementia, and experts say the best time to start adding them to your routine is now. There are actually Exercises That Keep Brain Active And Reduce Dementia.

An important study was done and health information of over 500,000 people, who did not have dementia when recruited, was analyzed over 11 years for a prospective cohort study published in July 2022. Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires detailing their involvement in physical activities. Their susceptibility to dementia, based on family history, was also tracked.

Stay Healthy Org The risk of developing dementia decreased by 35% for people who regularly participated in vigorous activities like exercise and sports. And doing regular household chores seemed to reduce the risk by 21%.  Even people whose genetic histories were linked to potential risks of dementia could use physical activity to lower their susceptibility, Huan Song, one of the study authors, told the New York Times. However, physical exercise can only be a safeguard for the onset of dementia, according to Dan Jonhenry, franchise business coach and expert trainer for Retro Fitness. “It’s more of a preventative measure in staying healthy before it gets too late to do so,” says Jonhenry, “Right now, there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

6 exercises to help reduce the risk of dementia

Here are some exercises to consider adding to your routine, according to Jonhenry and Silky Singh Pahlajani, a clinical professor of behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. - Walking or power walking - Riding a bicycle or exercise bike - Swimming - Running - Cardio machines like the elliptical  - Circuit training

‘What’s good for the heart is good for the brain’

Of the different types of exercises, cardio can contribute the most to brain health and help you retain your memories, says Pahlajani. “I always tell my patients, ‘What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,’” Pahlajani says. “The goal really is to get the heart rate up, at least for 30 minutes and at least three to four times a week.” Doing moderate aerobic exercise at 70% of your max heart rate can help your body get oxygen to cells within the brain, Jonhenry says. This feeds your brain tissues nutrients and regulates blood flow, he adds. You can track your heart rate using a heart rate monitor to determine if you’ve hit the 70% mark. Elevating your heart rate can require different movements for you than the next person, but a good rule of thumb is any exercise that leads to working up a sweat, Pahlajani says. “Try and switch it up a little bit and get mentally stimulating activities you can do,” says Jonhenry. “Find a hobby that is active, but also continuing to help you learn and know more. That’s what they’re finding is really helping with brain health.”