London, England – A recent study has identified diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption as major risk factors for dementia. Researchers analyzed brain scans of nearly 40,000 adults in the UK, aged 44 to 82, to investigate how these modifiable risk factors impact vulnerable brain regions associated with Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlighted the importance of these vulnerable brain regions, which typically develop during adolescence and play a critical role in processing information across various senses. According to Gwenaëlle Douaud, an associate professor at the University of Oxford and study co-author, these regions are among the first to deteriorate with age.
Diabetes, exposure to nitrogen dioxide in the air, and alcohol consumption were identified as the most detrimental risk factors for these brain regions. The study examined a total of 161 modifiable risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and physical activity, among others. Researchers found that diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption had the most significant impact compared to other risk factors.
The findings shed light on the global impact of dementia, with over 55 million people currently living with the condition worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts that this number could rise to 153 million by 2050. Dementia, characterized by cognitive decline, results from the loss and eventual death of brain neurons.
While the study focused on a relatively healthy and motivated group of participants, it underscores the importance of making lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Maintaining a healthy diet, minimizing exposure to pollution, and moderating alcohol consumption were highlighted as key steps individuals can take to protect cognitive health.
In addition to modifiable risk factors, genetic clusters that influence vulnerable brain regions were also identified. These findings align with previous research linking hypertension, hearing impairment, smoking, and obesity to up to 40% of dementia cases globally. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the role of individual decisions in promoting cognitive well-being and highlights the potential impact of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of dementia.