Researchers have defined an indicator of eleven factors that can predict the risk of developing dementia within fourteen years.
- Researchers have developed an indicator grouping together 11 risk factors for developing dementia.
- This indicator assesses the risk, at age 14, of developing dementia.
- If it is scientifically validated by other studies, it could become a screening tool.
Nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are reported each year worldwide, according to theNational Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). This disorder results from various pathologies – such as Alzheimer’s disease – which affect the brain, thinking and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Age is one of the factors – known for a long time – which increases the risk of suffering from it, in people aged 65 and over.
11 major risk factors for suffering from dementia
But, according to a new study published in the journal BMJ Mental Healththere are ten other major risk factors for developing dementia within the age of fourteen, some of which are preventable.
From 28 known risk factors for dementia, scientists have retained eleven factors which are age, education, diabetes, depression, stroke, parental history of dementia, material deprivation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being male and living alone.
Scientists have grouped all of these factors into an indicator called the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBRDS). This could make it possible to measure the risk of a person over 50 years of suffering from dementia within 14 years.
An indicator to assess risk and better screen
If scientifically validated by further research, the UKBDRS could therefore be used as a dementia screening tool for middle-aged adults, particularly those at higher risk of dementia.
The UKBDRS “only provides information on the risks of developing dementia, it does not represent a definitive result, explains Sana Suri, one of the authors. The importance of each risk factor varies and because some of the factors included in the score can be corrected or treated, there are things we can all do to help reduce our risk of dementia.”
Risk factors that can be corrected or treated include diabetes, depression and high blood pressure.
