While we’ve made progress in understanding and diagnosing dementia—like achieving 90% accuracy with Alzheimer’s blood tests—recent research has revealed two new risk factors for dementia. Here’s what you need to know.

The Latest Discoveries: High Cholesterol and Untreated Vision Loss

According to a report in The Lancet, high cholesterol after 40 and untreated vision loss are now recognized as modifiable risk factors for dementia. This builds on previous research which identified 12 lifestyle-related risk factors, including:

1. Physical inactivity
2. Smoking
3. Excessive alcohol consumption
4. Air pollution
5. Head injury
6. Infrequent social contact
7. Less education
8. Obesity
9. Hypertension
10. Diabetes
11. Depression
12. Hearing impairment

Together, these factors contribute to nearly 50% of global dementia cases.

Why These Factors Matter

High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) can harden blood vessels in the heart, impairing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This damage over time contributes to the neurodegenerative process that characterizes dementia.

Untreated Vision Loss: Poor vision can be more than an inconvenience; it might also affect your brain health. Vision loss often coincides with other metabolic risk factors like high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes. When you can’t see well, you’re less likely to engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading or socializing, which boost brain health.

Dr. Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, a behavioral neurologist, explains that vision is crucial for cognitive engagement. “When vision is impaired, it reduces the likelihood of engaging in activities that keep the brain active, which can help stave off dementia,” he says.

What You Can Do

The good news is that you can take steps to lessen these risks. Here’s how:

1. Get Regular Check-Ups: Monitor your cholesterol levels and vision with regular visits to your primary care doctor.
2. Collaborate with Your Healthcare Team: Ensure your doctor coordinates with specialists to manage risk factors like high cholesterol and hypertension.
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
4. Engage in Brain-Boosting Activities: Keep your brain active with mentally challenging activities and promote social interaction.

It’s Never Too Late

Our brains are malleable, so no matter your age, it’s always the right time to adopt healthy habits and improve your brain health. Schedule those check-ups, manage your health effectively, and keep your mind engaged—your brain will thank you!

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and tips on health and wellness.