Loss of vision and high “bad” cholesterol levels have been added to risk factors for dementia, according to a new report by Lancet Commission.Researchers said addressing risk factors childhood onwards and monitoring them throughout life could help stave off or delay onset of the mental condition, even in people having a high genetic risk.
Quality education for children and reduced exposure to air pollution have been suggested to reduce the risk of the disease, the 2024 Lancet Commission for dementia said.
The international team of authors, led by those at the University College London, UK, found that about nine per cent of global dementia cases could be attributed to the newly added risk factors, with seven per cent and two per cent being attributable to high “bad” cholesterol in mid-life starting at 40 years of age and untreated vision loss in later life, respectively.