Ask the Doctor: Is Dementia Preventable?
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Hi everyone - a quick note before we get into things. This article was graciously produced (and gratefully received!) for the SDC by Dr Michael Gliksman, BMed(Hons), MPH, PhD, FAFPHM(RACP), FRSMed. Please note that this article does not provide individual medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor before making any lifestyle or treatment changes based on the information contained in this article.
One of the most feared diseases associated with ageing is dementia. Characterised by a decline in memory and cognitive function, dementia is the most common age-related progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Can we do anything to prevent it? There's no certain way to prevent dementia, as medical researchers are still investigating how the condition develops and the risk factors associated with it.
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing a condition. Some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change. These include age and genetic endowment.
However, among known risk factors for the development of dementia are some we can modify. There's good evidence a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks, also has a role in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which are the two most common types of dementia.
By modifying those risk factors, our risk of developing dementia could be reduced by around a third. What's good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia by:
Research shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing dementia
Your GP is best placed to assess and advise you on what to do to modify your individual risk profile.
Recent medical research has pointed to other potential, surprising risk factors capable of modification. Among these are these are gum disease, gut bacteria (microbiota), and poor social contacts.
Clinical and experimental studies have suggested the involvement of gut microbiota in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With no current effective therapy to cure AD, altering gut microbiota may be a promising therapeutic option to prevent or delay the onset of AD, or slow its progress.
Diet is one of the major factors involved in shaping gut microbiota. Epidemiological studies indicate that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and low intake of meat, high-fat dairy, and sweets, is consistently associated with a lower risk of AD.
Avoid over-indulging in too much meat, high-fat dairy, and sweets
Periodontitis has also been suggested as a risk factor for AD . The treatment of periodontal disease and maintenance of good oral health could be a way to help prevent AD and/or slow its progression.
A 2018 meta-analysis (a statistical technique that pools the findings of several studies) indicated that a lack of social engagement is a risk factor for dementia, that people who are both depressed and socially isolated may be more vulnerable, and that dementia prevention strategies should include interventions that target social isolation and provide support for people lacking social engagement.
In summary, while there are no guarantees, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia, or slowing its progress by:
What do you guys think? If you have any questions / comments for the doc, drop them below and I'll see if I can convince him to reply!
One of the most feared diseases associated with ageing is dementia. Characterised by a decline in memory and cognitive function, dementia is the most common age-related progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Can we do anything to prevent it? There's no certain way to prevent dementia, as medical researchers are still investigating how the condition develops and the risk factors associated with it.
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing a condition. Some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change. These include age and genetic endowment.
However, among known risk factors for the development of dementia are some we can modify. There's good evidence a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks, also has a role in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which are the two most common types of dementia.
By modifying those risk factors, our risk of developing dementia could be reduced by around a third. What's good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia by:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly
- keeping alcohol consumption within recommended levels
- stopping smoking
- keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
- keeping blood fats within recommended guidelines.
Research shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing dementia
Your GP is best placed to assess and advise you on what to do to modify your individual risk profile.
Recent medical research has pointed to other potential, surprising risk factors capable of modification. Among these are these are gum disease, gut bacteria (microbiota), and poor social contacts.
Clinical and experimental studies have suggested the involvement of gut microbiota in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With no current effective therapy to cure AD, altering gut microbiota may be a promising therapeutic option to prevent or delay the onset of AD, or slow its progress.
Diet is one of the major factors involved in shaping gut microbiota. Epidemiological studies indicate that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and low intake of meat, high-fat dairy, and sweets, is consistently associated with a lower risk of AD.
Avoid over-indulging in too much meat, high-fat dairy, and sweets
Periodontitis has also been suggested as a risk factor for AD . The treatment of periodontal disease and maintenance of good oral health could be a way to help prevent AD and/or slow its progression.
A 2018 meta-analysis (a statistical technique that pools the findings of several studies) indicated that a lack of social engagement is a risk factor for dementia, that people who are both depressed and socially isolated may be more vulnerable, and that dementia prevention strategies should include interventions that target social isolation and provide support for people lacking social engagement.
In summary, while there are no guarantees, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia, or slowing its progress by:
- reducing your modifiable cardiovascular risk factors
- following a Mediterranean diet
- maintaining good oral health
- Maintaining active social contacts
What do you guys think? If you have any questions / comments for the doc, drop them below and I'll see if I can convince him to reply!
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