Seven middle-age lifestyle factors behind dementia

DOCTORS have identified seven lifestyle factors in middle age which have a significant influence on the risk of developing dementia in retirement.

A major study suggests each of the seven elements – weight, diet, exercise, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and smoking – contributes to the chance of getting dementia.

Scientists at the University of Bordeaux tracked more than 6,600 French people from Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier.

The participants, who were at least 65 at the start of the study, were tested for the seven elements and then monitored for an average of eight and a half years.

For each of the seven tests that they ‘passed’ as healthy, the risk of developing dementia over the following years went down 10 per cent.

The scientists, whose findings are published in the JAMA medical journal, said their study demonstrates the link between cardiovascular health and the resilience of the brain.

‘These findings may support the promotion of cardiovascular health to prevent risk factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia,’ they wrote.

British experts say the findings from the research highlight the fact that the risk of dementia can be reduced with a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Sara Imarisio, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘Although age is the largest risk factor for dementia, the condition is not an inevitable part of getting older and there are things we can all do to help reduce our risk.

‘This large study of over 6,000 older people in France adds to a wealth of existing evidence indicating that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.’ She added: ‘We know that the diseases that cause dementia can begin to develop in the brain up to 20 years before symptoms show so it’s never too early to take steps to reduce your risk.

‘As well as these seven aspects of healthy living, drinking within recommended guidelines and staying mentally active and socially engaged have also been linked to better brain health in later life.’

Dr Doug Brown, chief policy officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Of all the diseases in the UK dementia is now the biggest killer, so exploring potential factors which could reduce the risk of developing this devastating condition is fundamental to beating it.

‘We know that what is good for the heart is good for the head, and this research backs that up, showing that taking care of your cardiovascular health later in life may help slow cognitive decline and reduce your risk of getting dementia.

‘Although this study stopped short of examining whether participants had healthy hearts in earlier life – which might have contributed to fewer of them getting dementia in later life – everyone should take steps from an early age such as eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, and exercising regularly.’