New Study: Neglecting These 2 Issues May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk

Seeing a loved one through dementia is life-altering…and if you’re related through biology, you might not be able to help but wonder whether you, too, could one day be at risk.

There have been significant advancements in understanding Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, with the development of early-detection blood tests, for one. Now, a study published in August has helped to hone in on two Alzheimer’s risk factors that weren’t among the primary list before. What’s encouraging is that both are potentially preventable.

Twenty-six researchers at universities and health systems around the world teamed up and published their findings in the peer-reviewed medical journal, The Lancet, to summarize key findings from major Alzheimer’s studies in the past four years. “Evidence is increasing and is now stronger than before that tackling the many risk factors for dementia that we modeled previously … reduces the risk of developing dementia,” the authors wrote.

In other words, some of the factors contributing to Alzheimer’s are shown to be lifestyle-related. Among those previous risk factors they’d identified were lower education levels, hearing loss, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, and social isolation.

The two new findings that may contribute to Alzheimer’s risk were untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol.

Dr. Jessica Caldwell, PhD, a neuropsychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, helps break down these newly identified possible Alzheimer’s risk factors. “It’s possible vision loss could impact a person’s sensory input,” Dr. Caldwell says, “meaning their brain is not processing as much information.” She adds that vision loss could also make it more challenging for an individual to exercise, socialize, or engage in other stimulating activities.

As for the link to high “bad” cholesterol, Dr. Caldwell suggests this could be damaging to the heart and blood vessels, when optimal blood flow is an important component to a healthy-functioning brain.

This neurology expert says ways to manage Alzheimer’s risk as it relates to these two health issues are to make sure you’re getting regular checkups. Good vision doesn’t just make it easier to navigate the world—it’s also an important health consideration.

Also, Dr. Caldwell says, keep the brain active and challenged with reading, puzzles, and being a lifelong learner. Diet and exercise are also important for all of us.

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