Episode 15

Key takeaways

• There’s a lot you can do to reduce your dementia risk. Even if you have dementia, these things could help you have a longer, healthier life. 
• Modifiable lifestyle factors now account for even more dementia risk than we thought: 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide, up from 40 per cent.
• Two new factors are associated with dementia risk: high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and uncorrected vision loss.
  • LDL cholesterol may lead to small strokes and an increase in dementia-related proteins in the brain.
  • Uncorrected vision loss can lead to social isolation, decreased cognitive engagement and physical activity, and difficulty processing information. 
• When people and governments take action, it makes a difference. For example, as fewer people smoke, smoking-related dementia risk has decreased. 

Key Actions

• Schedule regular eye exams and correct any vision loss as soon as possible.
• Work with your healthcare provider to check and manage your cholesterol levels.
• It’s never too late or too early to take steps to protect your brain, so embrace lifestyle changes whenever you can.

Resources

• A reminder: Have a regular eye exam – from The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
• Older adults with vision problems face higher dementia risks – from Harvard Health Publishing
• Cholesterol and the risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society
• Cholesterol and dementia risk – from Alzheimer’s Research UK
• Brain-healthy tips to reduce your risk of dementia – from Alzheimer’s Society