Half of Global Dementia Cases Preventable

A significant portion, nearly half, of global dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors throughout life, according to a comprehensive study presented by the Lancet Commission. This new report, led by Professor Gill Livingston of University College London, adds high cholesterol and vision loss to previously identified factors such as smoking, air pollution, and social isolation. The findings suggest that early and sustained preventive measures can significantly reduce the incidence of dementia, which is projected to affect 153 million people by 2050. Despite the lack of a cure, this preventive approach offers hope for managing the condition and reducing its substantial global economic burden, which exceeds $1 trillion annually. The study emphasizes the need for governments and individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and policies to mitigate these risks, especially in lower and middle-income countries where dementia rates are rising rapidly.