A doctoral researcher at Alzheimer’s Research UK has highlighted how nearly half of all dementia cases might be preventable through lifestyle changes and environmental modifications.
Toby Curless, who is pursuing his PhD whilst creating educational content on TikTok, recently collaborated with the charity to explain the concept of dementia risk factors to his followers.
The researcher emphasised that while advancing age and genetic predisposition remain the primary unchangeable factors in dementia development, numerous other elements within human control play crucial roles.
“What is a risk factor? Basically it’s just something which affects our chances of developing a condition,” Curless explained to his audience.
TIKTOK / TOBY CURLESS
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The risk factors span various life stages
Drawing on research from The Lancet commission, Curless revealed that 14 controllable factors contribute to approximately 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide.
“The Lancet commission has identified 14 modifiable risk factors which are said to account for up to 45 per cent of all cases of dementia,” he stated during his presentation.
The researcher clarified that these modifiable factors represent aspects of health and lifestyle that individuals can influence, distinguishing them from unchangeable elements like ageing and heredity.
“If we completely solved all of these 14 things, then dementia cases would be reduced by 45 per cent,” Curless explained, underscoring the significant potential for prevention through targeted interventions.
The commission’s findings identified impaired hearing as the single most substantial preventable contributor, responsible for seven per cent of dementia cases globally.
“If we completely solved the problem with hearing loss and no one had hearing loss, then seven per cent of all dementia cases would not be there,” Curless noted.
Two other factors emerged as equally significant secondary risks, each accounting for five per cent of cases: elevated LDL cholesterol levels during middle age and social disconnection in later years.
The remaining factors span various life stages, including limited educational opportunities in youth, depression, head trauma, insufficient exercise, diabetes, tobacco use, high blood pressure, excess weight, heavy drinking, exposure to polluted air, and deteriorating eyesight.
Curless offered practical guidance for those concerned about their dementia risk, particularly regarding sensory impairments.
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The findings underscore the potential for prevention through interventions
“If you notice that you are getting hearing loss, get hearing aids; if you notice that your vision is getting worse, get your eyes tested and wear glasses, correct that vision,” he advised viewers.
The PhD student acknowledged that preventive measures aren’t universally applicable, recognising individual circumstances vary considerably.
“Now obviously these are not applicable to everyone,” he noted, suggesting that whilst the research provides valuable insights into prevention strategies, personal health situations and access to interventions differ among individuals.
His recommendations emphasise early intervention when changes in hearing or vision become apparent.
