The number of dementia cases is increasing worldwide as people live longer lives. Every year, 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed worldwide, with the total estimated to reach 78 million by 2030.
This alarming trend has sparked a global conversation about the importance of early detection and prevention strategies. Researchers are now focusing on identifying potential risk factors and developing innovative interventions to slow down or even halt the progression of dementia. As the scientific community continues to make strides in understanding this complex condition, there is a growing emphasis on promoting brain health throughout one's lifetime, starting from early adulthood.
But there is still hope. A study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) found that while the number of seniors with dementia increased from 51,934 in 2013 to 73,918 in 2023 due to an increase in the adult population here, the prevalence of dementia among older adults aged 60 and above had dropped to 8.8 percent, down from 10% in 2013.
Furthermore, a new study commissioned by the medical magazine The Lancet and published in August discovered that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or reduced.
Dementia, which is caused by damage to nerve cells and their connections in the brain, refers to a group of neurological disorders that cause a loss in cognitive function, including Alzheimer's disease. Though it is more common in people aged 65 and up, it can happen to anyone. There is no cure, but there are therapies available to help control symptoms and halt the progression.
Recent advancements in neuroimaging techniques have provided researchers with unprecedented insights into the structural and functional changes that occur in the brains of individuals with dementia. These cutting-edge technologies, such as high-resolution MRI and PET scans, are enabling scientists to identify early markers of cognitive decline and track the progression of the disease more accurately. This improved understanding is paving the way for more targeted and personalized treatment approaches, offering hope for better management of dementia symptoms in the future.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia's third updated report revealed two new risk factors that, if treated, may help to prevent dementia. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, begin around the age of 40 and account for approximately 7% of cases.
High levels of cholesterol in the brain have been related to an increased risk of stroke, as well as the accumulation of two proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease: amyloid and tau.
Being more physically active, avoiding processed foods high in saturated fats, and abstaining from smoking and drinking are all approaches to manage cholesterol levels. According to a research of more than 62,000 seniors in South Korea, even mild physical activity can help reduce the risk, as published in the medical journal Jama Network Open in 2021.
Meanwhile, the analysis attributes 2% of instances to uncorrected eyesight loss later in life. According to research published in Jama Ophthalmology in September, vision impairment could account for up to 19% of cases among the elderly.
While the link between the two has yet to be proved, it could be related to diabetes, which is a risk factor for dementia and can also cause vision problems, or common pathways in the brain that cause both vision loss and memory impairment. Correcting vision loss, such as using spectacles or having cataract surgery, may assist to lower this risk.
These two factors join 12 others identified in previous iterations of the report, including lower levels of education, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, and social isolation.
Both the government and individuals can help reduce dementia risks by reducing exposure to air pollution through strict clean air policies, expanding smoking cessation measures, and lowering the amount of sugar and salt in food sold in stores and restaurants.
The role of nutrition in brain health and dementia prevention has gained significant attention in recent years. Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of specific dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), which emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These diets have been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Additionally, studies are investigating the impact of specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, on brain function and their potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases.
Professor Gill Livingston of University College London, who headed the research, delivered the findings of the Lancet Commission on Dementia at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia, United States, in July.
"Healthy lifestyles that involve regular exercise, not smoking, cognitive activity in midlife - including outside formal education - and avoiding excess alcohol can not only lower dementia risk, but may also push back dementia onset," she told The Guardian.
And, while many elderly have retired, labor may help stave off dementia, with IMH citing greater employment among seniors as one of the reasons for the decrease in the number of cases.
Dr Mythily Subramaniam, assistant chairman of IMH's medical board for research and a co-investigator in the study, previously told The Straits Times that work can excite the brain, and that having a social network at work can also act as a barrier against the disease.
Several studies have identified later retirement as a strategy of guarding against cognitive impairment.
The concept of cognitive reserve has emerged as a crucial factor in understanding why some individuals are more resilient to cognitive decline than others. This theory suggests that certain lifestyle factors, such as education, occupation, and social engagement, can help build a "reserve" of cognitive resources that may protect against the effects of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers are now exploring ways to enhance cognitive reserve throughout life, including the development of brain training programs and interventions that promote lifelong learning and social connectivity.
According to HealthHub, learning a new language or playing an instrument can also help prevent dementia. According to the national health portal, research reveals that learning helps to form new connections between neurons, particularly when acquiring a new skill.
