The number of people suffering from dementia is estimated to rise to 2.8 million in 2050. © Andrew Brookes/imago
Several factors contribute to dementia. However, according to a study, one of them stands out as the most significant risk factor.
The number of people in Germany living with dementia is steadily increasing. Currently, 1.8 million people are affected by this neurological disease, and according to predictions, this number might rise even higher in the future. It is estimated that by 2050, 2.8 million people will be affected. While researchers are working on developing a new treatment approach that might potentially stop Alzheimer’s disease in the future, for now, the progression of the disease can only be slowed down. Risk factors for dementia remain a key focus of ongoing research.
Preventing dementia: Five important risk factors you should know
Scientists from University College London conducted an analysis to identify the greatest risk factor for dementia. They evaluated data from a period of 68 years (from 1947 to 2015) collected from 27 different studies on dementia patients. The results of their study were published in the journal The Lancet Public Health. Besides the genetic component, the research team identified the following five crucial factors that increase the risk of neurodegenerative disease:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Educational level
Neurodegenerative diseases:
According to information from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the loss of nerve cells and their functions. When the damage becomes so extensive that the brain can no longer compensate for it, various neurological complications can arise. Dementia and Parkinson’s disease are among the most well-known neurodegenerative diseases.
Dementia: Researchers discover a major risk factor
While multiple risk factors can contribute to dementia, the scientists involved in these 27 studies were able to identify one major risk factor that has consistently remained significant throughout the time period examined, from the past to the present: High blood pressure (hypertension) is still considered the most significant risk factor for dementia.
Lower high blood pressure: Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes
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Abnormally high blood pressure falls under the category of cardiovascular diseases, which affect the heart and blood vessels. Naaheed Mukadam, psychiatrist and lead author of the study, emphasizes that these cardiovascular risk factors require more focused measures in future efforts to prevent dementia.
This article presents general information on the health topic discussed and is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. It should not be considered a substitute for consulting a doctor. Our editorial team is not authorized to answer individual questions regarding medical conditions.
Dementia: High Blood Pressure Is the Biggest Risk Factor
Various factors contribute to dementia. However, according to a study, one of them is still considered the greatest risk factor.
More and more people in Germany are suffering from dementia. Currently, 1.8 million people are living with the neurological disease, and according to estimates, the number might increase in the future. The number of people affected is expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2050. Researchers may be able to stop Alzheimer’s disease in the future with a new treatment approach but so far the progression of the disease can only be slowed down. Risk factors for dementia are always the focus of research.
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Preventing Dementia: Five Important Risk Factors You Should Know
Scientists from University College London conducted an analysis to find the greatest risk factor for dementia. To do this, they evaluated data from a period of 68 years (from 1947 to 2015) from 27 different studies on dementia patients. The results of their Study were published in the journal The Lancet Public Health In addition to the genetic component, the research team was initially able to identify the following five important factors that increase the risk of the neurodegenerative disease:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Educational Level
Neurodegenerative Diseases:
According to information from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, neurodegenerative diseases occur when nerve cells and cell functions are lost, and the damage is so great that the brain can no longer compensate for it. The best-known neurodegenerative diseases include dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Dementia: Researchers Discover a Major Risk Factor
Even though several risk factors can promote dementia, the scientists in the 27 studies were able to identify a main risk factor that has been valid over the entire period up to the present: high blood pressure (hypertension) is still considered the greatest risk factor for dementia.
Lower High Blood Pressure: Stay Away From Alcohol and Cigarettes
Abnormally high blood pressure is one of the so-called cardiovascular diseases. This category affects the heart and blood vessels. According to Naaheed Mukadam, psychiatrist and lead author of the study, these cardiovascular risk factors deserve more targeted measures in future efforts to prevent dementia.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not permitted to answer individual questions regarding medical conditions.
