Although many things can be done to reduce the risk of dementia, the condition is usually unpreventable.
health
| | analysis
January 18, 2023
Observational studies suggest that challenging the brain, such as through puzzles, may prevent dementia, but this is not proven. Getty Images/Issek
This week, the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK launched a campaign to tell people they could reduce their risk of dementia by making certain lifestyle changes, but the impact of such measures is uncertain and likely Exaggerated.
The charity’s advice is based in part on a 2020 report from a respected medical journal. lancet, summarized what we know about dementia risk factors. The new campaign, called the Think Brain Health Check-in, includes standard lifestyle advice such as eating healthy, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly, plus hearing aids and puzzles if needed. Includes steps specific to dementia, such as solving
The campaign acknowledges that you can’t change risk factors like age or genetics, but says you can change your diet and how you challenge your brain.
The online tool has changed since its launch on January 18th. The first version, used so frequently that the website struggled to keep up with demand, did not mention that part of the dementia trend rests on lifestyle. “up to 40%”. I changed it to include the 40% figure.
The campaign’s website also exaggerates the fact that all the risk factors it highlights emerged from observational studies rather than the highest quality of medical evidence, randomized trials. Research can only show correlations between lifestyle factors and medical conditions, and cannot discover whether the former causes the latter.
These studies tend to be misleading as there may be a third factor behind both lifestyle and medical conditions. For dementia, that third factor might be income, for example. Dementia is more common among low-income individuals who tend to lead unhealthy lifestyles in many ways. This could be a true explanation for why some of the purported risk factors (such as certain diets) correlate with dementia.
Another possible explanation might be that people with early cognitive decline are less likely to engage in healthy habits such as exercise, socializing, and wearing hearing aids.
This is not to say that all 12 claimed risk factors are invalid. Lifestyle may play a role in dementia. This is because although the number of people with the condition is increasing because we live longer, the individual’s risk of developing the condition by a certain age is decreasing. Since it hasn’t changed, this drop must be due to a change in habits.
A spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Research UK said several public health agencies, including a 2015 report by NICE, the medical guidelines bodies of England and Wales, have advised people to reduce their risk of dementia by avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet. It says it recommends some of its 12 tips for lowering it. .
But I doubt all 12 tips are equally related. We have not yet been able to find out which of the many lifestyle factors should be credited for the ongoing reduction in individual dementia risk.
They probably also promote vascular and heart health, such as avoiding smoking and exercise. Because the risk of dementia is almost reduced. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, has not decreased significantly.
Of these vascular-related risk factors, hypertension appears to be the most likely true cause of dementia, according to a 2021 study. Randomized trial.
That same study also suggests that high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels may not be the cause of dementia, but simply correlated with increased risk. contains recommendations for keeping cholesterol levels under control, suggesting that high blood sugar may also be a risk.
Other questionable guidance in the campaign is that there is no safe drinking level. Observational studies have shown that light drinking is associated with a lower risk of dementia.
The 12 tips are described as “simple rules for improving brain health,” as if their effectiveness is beyond doubt.
In response, Jonathan Schott, Chief Medical Officer of Alzheimer’s Research UK, defended the campaign, saying the charity had been asked for advice on prevention by the public, so it provided it. is there to raise awareness and empower people.It’s not a perfect science and we don’t claim to be,” the spokesperson added.
It’s understandable that people want to do whatever they can to avoid dementia, but it’s true that no one wants to be misunderstood.
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