By encouraging people to be physically, mentally and socially active, up to 40% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented. A neuroscientist from Concordia University described this Speech.
Numerous studies have shown that changes in brain structure and metabolism begin decades before the onset of dementia symptoms. Moreover, it is increasingly recognized that interventions to slow or prevent disease progression are more likely to be effective if started early in the disease.
According to a report published in The Lancet in 2020, 40% of dementia cases can be attributed to 12 controllable risk factors. These include high blood pressure, obesity, lack of physical activity, diabetes, smoking, heavy drinking and infrequent social contact, head injuries, hearing loss (compensable with a hearing aid) and depression. This means that a healthy lifestyle could theoretically prevent around 40% of dementia cases.
Some evidence also suggests that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes a high intake of plants (especially green leafy vegetables) while reducing saturated fat and meat intake, is good for brain health.
According to The Lancet, people with low quality of education and areas with high air pollution are also at increased risk of dementia. These factors depend not only on people but also on politicians; thus reducing inequality is an important tool in tackling dementia at the population level.
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