Watch Your Cholesterol and Vision New Study Highlights Dementia Risks
A recent study has revealed that high cholesterol and untreated vision problems significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Managing these health issues could help prevent the disease, which affects memory and cognitive skills.
Key Findings
The Lancet Commission report identifies high cholesterol and untreated vision loss as major new risk factors for dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common type of dementia, constitutes 60-70% of cases. The report shows these factors account for nine percent of all dementia cases: seven percent linked to high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and two percent to untreated vision problems.
A recent study highlights high cholesterol and untreated vision problems as significant dementia risk factors. Managing these issues could reduce dementia cases, which impact millions worldwide. High LDL cholesterol and vision loss contribute to cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for early screening and treatment.
Understanding the Link
Authored by 27 top dementia experts, the report emphasizes the importance of managing cholesterol and addressing vision issues to reduce dementia risk. Dementia, the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, affects 7.4% of people over 60 in India, with around 8.8 million individuals living with the condition. Professor Suvarna Alladi of NIMHANS, a key author, stresses the need to prioritize screening and treatment to lower dementia cases.
Role of Vision Loss and Cholesterol in Cognitive Decline
A meta-analysis involving over 1.1 million people under 65 found that every 1 mmol/L increase in LDL cholesterol raised dementia risk by eight percent. Another study with 1.2 million participants showed that LDL cholesterol levels over 3 mmol/L increased the risk of dementia by 33 percent. Higher LDL cholesterol levels are linked to a greater risk of dementia due to the buildup of amyloid β and tau proteins, which disrupt brain cell function.
High levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to increased amyloid buildup in the brain. Dr. Faheem Arshad of NIMHANS explains that several factors, including heightened activity of amyloid-producing enzymes, reduced amyloid clearance, negative impacts on neuron cells, and blood-brain barrier damage, explain this connection.
Untreated vision loss might be linked to conditions like diabetes, a known dementia risk factor. Correcting vision problems, such as refractive errors, might slow cognitive decline by enhancing sensory input.
Addressing sensory and cognitive impairments requires a comprehensive approach considering their complex interplay. Dr. Arshad notes that both cognitive and sensory dysfunctions are triggered by ageing, external factors (like alcohol and smoking), neurodegenerative disorders, and biological factors.
