{"id":609613,"date":"2025-12-03T13:42:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T13:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/609613\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T13:42:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T13:42:20","slug":"more-than-memory-loss-researchers-have-discovered-two-new-dementia-risk-factors-heres-what-they-are","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/609613\/","title":{"rendered":"More than memory loss: Researchers have discovered two new dementia risk factors; here’s what they are |"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"More When we hear the word \u201cdementia,\u201d most of us think of elderly people having memory problems \u2014 they don\u2019t remember the names of their dear ones, where they put the house keys, or whether they paid the bills or not. In short, dementia generally reminds us of how a progressive brain disorder can affect the cognitive abilities of people. And often we take signs of memory loss as the symptoms of the same disorder.Russian influencer dies after extreme weight gain challenge: How an attempt like this puts pressure on your heart and digestive system<\/a>Pancreatic cancer: Doctor explains how sedentary work culture is fuelling the risk<\/a>However, new research is shedding light on two important \u2014 and preventable \u2014 risk factors we didn\u2019t pay attention to until recently. Take a look <\/p>\n

7 Common factors that cause brain aging<\/p>\n

While memory loss and age remain the most familiar warning signs of dementia, scientists now say that high \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol (LDL) in mid-life and untreated vision loss in later years also significantly raise the risk. Take a lookBeyond memory loss: New risk factors of dementiaA recent research by the Lancet Commission<\/a> on dementia prevention has formally added high LDL cholesterol (often called \u201cbad cholesterol\u201d) and untreated vision loss as two new and modifiable risk factors for dementia. According to the Commission, these two factors together account for about 9% of all dementia cases globally \u2014 with roughly 7% linked to high LDL cholesterol and 2% to untreated vision loss.These join the previous list of 12 known risk factors, which include things like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, hearing loss, physical inactivity, smoking, social isolation, depression, and more. \"Dementia Dementia is a common and disabling disease that affects the brain, which occurs when brain cells are damaged or die, leading to progressive declines in cognitive functions, mood, behavior, and personality. It\u2019s an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that worsen over time, and it remains one of the world\u2019s most urgent public health challenges. There are currently over 55 million people with dementia worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases of dementia developing each year. The number of people with dementia is growing worldwide and is expected to triple by 2050.Why high LDL cholesterol mattersHigh LDL cholesterol in mid-life \u2014 roughly around the 40s to 60s \u2014 has long been associated with heart disease. Now, researchers believe it also contributes to neurological decline. The mechanism may involve increased buildup of \u201csticky\u201d proteins in the brain (such as amyloid), as well as elevated risk of vascular damage or strokes, both of which impair brain health over time.Because this type of dementia risk factor shows up years, even decades, before memory problems appear, midlife is a critical window for preventive action. Experts emphasise that controlling cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and perhaps medication could contribute significantly to reducing dementia risk. \"Cholesterol Why untreated vision loss is a concernVision loss, especially if untreated, is more than a matter of poor eyesight. It can reduce a person\u2019s engagement with the world, limit social interaction and mental stimulation, and strain the cognitive system. Over time, this sensory deprivation can accelerate cognitive decline and dementia risk.The Commission\u2019s report suggests that many cases of dementia linked to vision loss could be prevented simply through timely eye checks and corrective measures \u2014 such as glasses, cataract treatment, or other medical interventions.Early symptoms to watch for \u2014 beyond just memory problemsBecause these risk factors affect the brain gradually, early warning signs may be subtle. Instead of obvious memory loss, look out for:<\/p>\n