In conjunction with World Alzheimer’s
Day (21 September), Alzheimer's Disease International [ADI] launched the World Alzheimer Report 2014, focused upon
sets of potential modifiable risk factors in four key domains:
· Developmental
· Psychological and Psychosocial
· Lifestyle
· Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
The World Alzheimer Report 2014 examines
the latest existing evidence associated with dementia risk factors, ranging
from smoking to socializing, and provides an analysis of interventions that
have been trialed to create change around the world. The report provides an invaluable resource and
the basis upon which to campaign for change, and opens the door for more
research in the area.
The Report highlights that:
· dementia risk for populations can be modified through reduction in
tobacco use and better control and detection for hypertension and diabetes, as
well as cardiovascular risk factors. A
good mantra is “What is good for your heart is good for your brain”.
· brain health promotion messages should be integrated in public health
promotion campaigns such as anti-tobacco or non-communicable disease (NCD)
awareness campaigns, with the message that it’s never too late to make these
changes.
· dementia needs to be included on World Health Organization (WHO) and National
NCD Planning.
The report reveals that control of
diabetes and high blood pressure as well as measures to encourage smoking
cessation and to reduce cardiovascular risk, have the potential to reduce the
risk of dementia even in late-life. The report found that diabetes can increase
the risk of dementia by 50%. Obesity and lack of physical activity are
important risk factors for diabetes and hypertension, and should, therefore,
also be targeted.
While cardiovascular health is improving
in many high income countries, many low and middle income countries show a
recent pattern of increasing exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, with
rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Smoking cessation is strongly linked in
the report with a reduction in dementia risk. For example, studies of dementia
incidence among people aged 65 years and over show that ex-smokers have a
similar risk to those who have never smoked, while those who continue to smoke
are at much higher risk.
Coinciding with the launch of the
report, survey data released by Bupa has shown over two thirds (69%) of people
around the world are concerned about getting dementia in later life, but many
are unclear about the causes and the actions they can take to potentially
reduce their risk.
If we can all enter old age with better developed, healthier brains we are likely to live longer, happier and more independent lives with a much reduced chance of developing dementia.
Download the Full
Report here.
Take a look here at the info-graphics about risk reduction.
Click on Video highlights the presentations and discussion at the launch of the World Alzheimer Report 2014 in London.
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