Dementia Can Be Predicted 10 Years In Advance: Know The Risk Factors

Dementia risk factors include age, sex and APOE gene

Dementia can now be predicted 10 years in advance, a new Danish study has found. Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study states that an absolute of 10 year risk of dementia is there, specific to sex, age and common variation in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. One of the major cause of disability among adults is dementia, and still, there is no effective treatment available for it, said University of Copenhagen researchers, reports PTI. Working towards reduction of these risk factors of dementia can help in delaying or preventing development of the disease. Variation in APOE gene, sex and age can help in identifying high-risk individuals with the greatest potential benefit from targeted interventions to reduce risk factors of dementia.

APOE protein can work effectively in metabolizing cholesterol and clearing amyloid protein from the brain in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The Lancet Commission suggests that early intervention for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, depression and hearing loss can slow down or prevent development of dementia.

Dementia can be predicted 10 years in advance, new study has found
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The study basically states that people who are at high risk of dementia can be identified 10 year early. A targeted prevention can be done for the same, by reducing high risk factor before dementia begins to develop.

Data from 1, 04, 53 people in Copenhagen was taken, and then linked with dementia. High risk groups were those with a combination of sex, age and common variation in APOE gene. Dementia risks were 7% higher in women and 6% higher in men in their 60s.

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People in their 70s were at 16% and 12% higher dementia risks, while those above the age of 80 were at 24% and 19% higher dementia risks.

Symptoms of dementia

Common symptoms of dementia can cause difficulty in communication, loss of memory, difficulty in coordination, general confusion and disorientation.

Following are other risk factors of dementia:

1. Atherosclerosis: This is a condition which is caused by thickening of artery walls because of buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup can narrow your arteries and interfere with blood flow to your brain.

2. Cholesterol: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body can increase risks of vascular dementia.

People with diabetes are at higher risks of developing dementia
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3. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risks of developing dementia.

4. Down syndrome: People with down syndrome tend to have plaque and tangles of Alzheimer's, by the time they reach their middle age. Many of them also develop dementia.

5. Smoking and alcohol: Smokers and people who consume alcohol are at high risks of developing dementia. Smoking and increase risks of mental decline, while alcohol can cause short-term and long-term memory loss along with difficulty in learning new information.