Newswise – Studies that find a reduction in the risk of dementia through lifestyle changes and treatment are often reported in the news.
Although such findings are important and should be shared with the public, they must be discussed with caution, says Professor Eef Hogervorst, a neurologist and epidemiologist who specializes in dementia research.
In this expert commentary, Professor Hogervorst discusses the complex factors that influence the risk of dementia and why we should not oversimplify research findings by presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as solutions. specific ones that will work for everyone.
Why is it so difficult to identify which changes and treatments reduce the risk of dementia?
“The prevention of ‘dementia’ in social media is sometimes presented as a simple list: correct your vision, maintain your hearing, exercise regularly, and you will reduce your risk,” says Professor Hogervorst.
But this kind of narrative oversimplifies and ignores the complex web of socioeconomic, genetic, and health factors that influence dementia, which are not easily resolved by individual actions.
“While many studies show that certain treatments or lifestyle changes are associated with a lower risk of dementia, it is important to discuss the findings carefully and consider the broader context in which research is conducted.” this one. This includes examining the context of the study, the stakeholders involved, and other influencing factors.
“Benefits seen in studies may not apply equally to everyone, and may be influenced by participants’ socioeconomic status, general health, or other factors outside of treatment. or a lifestyle change.
For example, if a study examining the effect of a particular treatment derives its findings from a group of wealthy individuals, any observed reduction in the risk of dementia may reflect their benefit. socioeconomic rather than treatment efficacy studied.
“Affluent people generally have better access to health care and healthy lifestyles, including better diets, more exercise, and lower levels of stress — all of which are associated with risk lower dementia.
“This can make it difficult to separate treatment effects from broader socioeconomic benefits.”
Professor Hogervorst continued: “Health factors also make it difficult to determine whether lifestyle changes and treatments have a direct effect on the risk of dementia.
“Life situations can be complex and interconnected. Heart disease, diabetes, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol use, can affect the brain and overall health in ways such as reduced oxygen supply, high blood sugar levels and plaque formation.
“It may be that a lifestyle change or treatment addresses the underlying condition that affects the risk of ‘dementia’.
For example, let’s say that treating hearing loss appears to reduce the risk of dementia. It’s possible that a person with hearing loss can start doing things they previously avoided, such as exercise, which improves their heart health.
“This improvement in heart health, rather than treatment of hearing loss alone, may be what lowers the risk of dementia.”
“Therefore, it is important to realize that benefit may come from addressing health problems, which are interconnected rather than treating a specific condition.
“In addition, it is unclear whether genetic factors that increase the risk of dementia – such as having the APOE ε4 gene – interact with lifestyle, with many studies showing conflicting results.”
Is there anything that can be done to reduce the risk of dementia?
Professor Hogervorst said: “Without robust long-term treatment studies, the idea of preventing dementia through certain lifestyle changes or treatments remains, in many cases, more theoretical than proven. work.
“Instead of presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as proven solutions, it might make sense to say, ‘this looks comforting, you might want to consider trying it,’ while being careful not to burden individuals.
“By promoting the idea that certain treatments will reduce the risk of dementia for everyone, we risk a return to the dangerous thinking of the 1980s, where failure to take the right measures ‘ which means that it is somehow your fault if you have a certain situation.
“This report not only simplifies the problems of dementia, but also unfairly blames people for things they have no control over.”
“That said, there are reasonable interventions supported by evidence that can help prevent or affect the progression of many age-related conditions, including dementia, vision loss, cancer and death. of the heart”, says Professor Hogervorst.
This includes eating a healthy Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, being socially active and avoiding smoking.
“But ultimately, the key to reducing the risk of dementia lies in public health policies that address health inequalities.
“It’s not just advising people to eat well, exercise more and check their health; it’s about making sure these options are available and accessible to everyone. ”
To learn more about Professor Hogervorst’s research, view his Research Spotlight. You can also read his latest essay, ‘How your vision can predict dementia 12 years before it’s diagnosed – new study’, by visiting the institute’s website news.
Professor Hogervorst has also co-authored a new book, ‘Creating Empowering Places for People with Dementia’: Addressing Inclusive Design from Homes to Communities.’ Details are available on the Routledge website.
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