New research points to two surprising new risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol levels are known to increase the chances of developing common types of dementia.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also known as “bad cholesterol” and has adverse health effects when present in large amounts.
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The study was led by researchers at University College London and published in the Lancet on August 10.
The study findings were also presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia on July 31.
It is said that if vision loss is left untreated or if LDL cholesterol levels are high, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases. (iStock)
Poor vision and high LDL cholesterol join a list of 12 risk factors identified by researchers in 2020.
The 12 are: hearing loss, low education, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, lack of physical activity, depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury and social isolation.
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The researchers analyzed dozens of recent studies on vision loss and high cholesterol to identify two new risk factors.
A total of 14 contributing factors are responsible for roughly half of dementia cases worldwide, and eliminating these could potentially prevent many cases, the researchers say.
A total of 14 contributing factors account for roughly half of Alzheimer’s cases, the researchers say. (iStock)
“While some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and exercise, can be managed through lifestyle changes, many need to be addressed at a societal level,” Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s UK, said in a press release.
(The study was funded in part by the Alzheimer’s Association.)
“Social isolation, educational disparities and air pollution are beyond the control of individuals and require public health interventions and joint action by governments and industry.”
“I always tell my patients, ‘If it’s healthy for your heart, it’s healthy for your brain.'”
“It validates a lot of what we’ve known for years about dementia,” said Dr. Ernest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, who was not involved in the study.
“The Lancet study shows that high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), which is often related to diet and lifestyle choices, increases the chance of developing dementia,” he told Fox News Digital.
To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular eye exams. (iStock)
“Genetic factors may play a role in elevated LDL levels, but even these patients may benefit from dietary modifications.”
Neurologists were also not surprised by the link between vision loss and the development of dementia.
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“We’ve known for many years that more educated, more ‘learned’ patients tend to develop dementia at a much later age,” Murray said.
“We rely heavily on vision to engage with our surroundings and stimulate cognitive thinking.”
Reduce risk
Dr Murray said in his practice he is often asked about ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.
“Patients have a good understanding of what a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle looks like,” he told Fox News Digital.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also known as “bad cholesterol” and has adverse health effects when present in large amounts. (iStock)
The doctor pointed out that the brain is a “vascularly rich organ” and is closely connected to the heart.
“I always tell my patients, ‘If it’s healthy for your heart, it’s healthy for your brain,'” Murray said.
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“This includes dietary changes such as a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet, as well as lifestyle changes such as abstaining from smoking and alcohol.”
There’s also evidence that the Mediterranean diet may help delay the onset of dementia, Murray noted.
“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular point of view and also helps psychologically,” the neurologist said. (iStock)
“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular standpoint and may also be helpful mentally,” he added.
Participating in cognitively stimulating activities is also known to delay the onset of dementia, Murray said.
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“I tell my patients to find cognitively challenging activities that they enjoy, whether that’s solving a puzzle or reading a difficult book,” he said.
“These activities can help maintain higher levels of cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.”
Doctors say eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect your eyesight and promote heart health. (iStock)
To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular eye exams, wearing protective eyewear in high-risk environments, and wearing sunglasses to protect from UV rays.
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Knowing your family’s eye health history, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking can also help prevent vision loss, the agency added.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to study researchers and the Alzheimer’s Association for additional comment.
