HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Lancet study flags cholesterol, untreated vision loss as new risk factors for dementia: What does this mean for the 40 plus?

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

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Researchers say regular screening should be a priority for older adults

Back in 2020, the Lancet Commission had identified 12 risk factors for dementia: lower levels of education, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury [TBI], air pollution and social isolation…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Now you have another reason to watch your cholesterol. A new Lancet Commission report has flagged it along with untreated vision loss as significant new risk factors for dementia, a condition characterised by memory problems and disruptions in thinking and social skills. Its most prevalent form is Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for about 60-70 per cent of dementia cases.

In fact, both these factors have been found to be a trigger for nine per cent of all dementia cases. Seven per cent of cases can be linked to high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, which develops midlife around age 40. Two per cent of dementia cases are linked to untreated vision loss in later life.

WHY IS THE STUDY IMPORTANT

The report, authored by 27 leading dementia experts, highlights the crucial importance of managing cholesterol levels and addressing vision issues to potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks dementia as the seventh leading cause of death globally. Suvarna Alladi, professor of neurology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, and among the key authors, says the new findings are significant for India as the prevalence of dementia for people older than 60 years is 7.4 per cent with an estimated 8.8 million living with dementia. “Age is the strongest and best-known risk factor for dementia. The new evidence shows why screening for and treating vision loss and managing cholesterol levels should now be prioritised in older adults to potentially reduce the incidence of dementia,” she explains.

ROLE OF BAD CHOLESTEROL

A meta-analysis of three UK studies with over 1.1 million participants under 65 showed that each 1 mmol/L increase in LDL cholesterol raised dementia risk by eight per cent. Another study with 1.2 million participants found that having LDL cholesterol over 3 mmol/L increased dementia risk by 33 per cent. Additionally, a large UK study of 1.8 million people followed for 7.4 years confirmed that higher LDL cholesterol levels were associated with a greater risk of dementia.

Researchers explain that the link between bad cholesterol and dementia stems from excess cholesterol raising stroke risk and triggering the buildup of two proteins —amyloid β and tau — that disrupt functioning of brain cells. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

High levels of LDL cholesterol have been associated with greater amyloid burden in the brain. “Several mechanisms that explain the link between high LDL cholesterol (levels more than 100mg/dl) and brain amyloid deposition include the increased activity of amyloid-producing enzymes like secretases, decreased clearance of amyloid from the brain, adverse effects on neuron cells and damage to the blood brain barrier via inflammatory mechanisms,” says Dr Faheem Arshad, assistant professor of neurology, NIMHANS.

That’s why the researchers emphasise that “individual counselling about diet and exercise has a small effect in reducing LDL cholesterol. Statins have become a focus of research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and have potential benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties besides reducing cholesterol.”

DON’T IGNORE VISION LOSS

So what’s the link between dementia and untreated vision loss? The study says that the mechanism could be related to illnesses such as diabetes, which is a known risk factor for dementia. Additionally, there could be an underlying problem, affecting both the retina of the eye and brain.

Dr Arshad feels that correcting vision issues, like refractive errors, can slow down cognitive decline by improving sensory inputs. “This is a bidirectional relationship as cognitive factors influence visual processing. Regions of the brain involved in memory and semantics impact how we perceive and interpret visual information. So sensory deprivation can accelerate cognitive decline. Age-related sensory impairments are complex and involve both biological and environmental factors,” he says.

Dr Arshad explains that both cognitive and sensory dysfunctions are triggered by ageing, external factors (alcohol, smoking), neurodegenerative disorders, and biological factors. “Sensory and cognitive impairments are interrelated, with each affecting the other in various ways. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers their complex interplay,” he adds.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

If You Fall In Blood Group O, Avoid These Habits And You Will Live Longer

Published

52 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

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Living longer and healthier often involves understanding how our genetic predispositions, including blood type, can influence our health outcomes. For individuals with blood type O, there are specific habits and lifestyle choices that, when avoided, can contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Blood type O is often referred to as the “hunter” blood type in the context of the blood type diet theory, which suggests that individuals with this blood type may benefit from a diet that resembles that of early humans who were primarily hunters and gatherers. While the scientific evidence supporting the blood type diet is limited and controversial, there are other health considerations that individuals with blood type O should keep in mind…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>> READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

If You Don’t Want To Suffer Stroke At Old Age, Avoid Excess Intake Of These 3 Things

Published

1 hour ago

December 22, 2024

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As we age, the risk of suffering a stroke increases, but many of the factors contributing to stroke are modifiable through lifestyle choices, particularly diet. While no single factor guarantees a stroke-free life, reducing the intake of certain substances can help mitigate the risk significantly. Among the key culprits that contribute to stroke risk are excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here’s how these three substances affect stroke risk and why you should consider limiting them:

1. Excessive Salt (Sodium): READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

High sodium intake is one of the leading contributors to hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke. When you consume too much salt, it can cause your blood pressure to rise, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to damage to the arteries, making them more prone to blockages, which can trigger a stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day. However, many people consume much more, primarily from processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and restaurant meals, where sodium is often hidden in excess. By reducing salt intake and choosing low-sodium alternatives, you can significantly lower your chances of developing high blood pressure and, by extension, stroke…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

How Long Does It Take For a Healthy Person to Show HIV Symptoms.

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

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In most situations, the first HIV symptoms show up 2–4 weeks after a person is exposed to the virus, but in certain circumstances, they might take months or even years to manifest.

HIV is the name of the virus that causes the illness of the same name. AIDS, a lethal disease brought on by a person’s immune system being significantly weakened, is its last stage.

Blood, breast milk, and sexual fluids are all ways that HIV can transmit. According to research, 94% of HIV infections in 2015 were caused by sexual contact…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

initial signs of HIV

HIV infection does not always result in immediate symptoms. It takes between two and four weeks for HIV symptoms to manifest.

Sometimes symptoms won’t show up for months or even years.

Timeline

HIV is categorized by doctors into three stages.

Acute HIV infection in Stage 1

A person with HIV exhibits specific symptoms when they are first infected. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Fatigue, muscle aches, rashes, headaches, sore throats, enlarged lymph nodes, joint discomfort, night sweats, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms.

A credible source claims that some of these symptoms are more likely to materialize than others. The likelihood of each of the symptoms is mentioned above in decreasing order.

HIV infection in stage 2 is ongoing.

The following are signs of a chronic HIV infection, according to certain studies, says a dependable source: yeast infection in the vagina and oral hairy leukoplakia, which results in white, scaly areas on the tongue. Possible diagnoses include shingles, neuropathy, cervical dysplasia, and the blood clotting condition idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The person’s immune system will suffer considerably if this stage continues. Their body will have a harder time fighting off infections and other illnesses as a result.

3.AIDS in Stage

AIDS manifests when a person’s CD4 cell count is significantly decreased as a result of HIV infection.

White blood cells called T cells, sometimes referred to as CD4 cells, are one type. They serve as the body’s defense against harmful microorganisms. These cells become dysfunctional as a result of HIV infection.

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