Lowering cholesterol and 10 other ways to cut your dementia risk
Dementia currently has no cure. But while there is no guaranteed way to prevent it, there are several lifestyle choices that could potentially contribute to protecting against including lowering cholesterol.
New research has found that people who have low levels of "bad" cholesterol in their blood could reduce the risk of dementia by 26%.
People with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in their blood have a lower overall risk of dementia, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease specifically, according to research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
Taking statins also provided an "additional protective effect" against the condition for those people with low levels of bad cholesterol, researchers found.
Commenting on the study, Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "This large study looked at patient records for levels of LDL cholesterol and the risk of dementia, it also examined those patients who were on statins.
"It found that those people with lower LDL levels had a reduced risk of dementia. The use of statins seemed to offer a protective effect – even in those who already had cholesterol levels within a lower range."
However, Dr Dudley says dementia risk is complex and influenced by many factors. "Without a detailed picture of what's going on in the brain, we do not know if there is a direct link between lower cholesterol and reduced dementia risk. Clinical trials will be key to understanding what effects statins might be having on disease processes in the brain."
In the meantime, she says keeping hearts healthy remains one of the most effective ways we can protect our brain health.
"If you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels, you should speak to your GP," she adds.
Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, with the latest projections estimating that this number could rise to 1.4 million by 2040 and cholesterol isn't the only risk factor.
A study from 2020 found 12 risk factors that could lead to a dementia diagnosis, including obesity, smoking, depression, lack of physical activity, low level of education, high blood pressure, diabetes, excessive drinking, hearing problems, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, and social isolation.
But a further, more recent report, published in The Lancet journal, has added vision loss and high cholesterol to this list.
The researchers said that the potential for prevention is high, in that some of these conditions can be prevented or reversed.
"Nearly half of dementias could theoretically be prevented by eliminating these 14 risk factors," the study said.
In fact, the authors estimated that 45% of our risk of the disease can be changed by preventing or reversing these conditions.
"It's never too early or too late to take action," lead author Prof Gill Livingston, from University College London, told the BBC.
'Governments must reduce risk inequalities by making healthy lifestyles as achievable as possible for everyone.'
The researchers also provided a recommendations list for healthcare systems to use when looking to reduce the likelihood of dementia. This includes:
Ensuring hearing aids are accessible
Investing in good quality education
Emphasis on exercise and sports
Encourage people to stop smoking
Treating high blood pressure
Preventing obesity
Reducing problem drinking
Eyesight screening
Air pollution reduction
Ensuring people are not isolated or lonely
While there are some factors on the list that may be out of your control, such as hearing loss, a traumatic brain injury, and poor eyesight, there are others where you can take action in order to prevent the likelihood of dementia.
If you suffer from, or are affected by, social isolation, excessive drinking, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, many of these are modifiable lifestyle factors that you can speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional about.
There are also organisations that offer support for some of the conditions stated, such as mental health charity Mind, Alcohol Change, or the NHS Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044.
Read more about dementia:
Making tea and meeting up with friends could keep dementia patients independent for longer (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Two-thirds of people with dementia are women. Experts now think they might know why (HuffPost, 2-min read)
The love of my life was diagnosed with dementia at 48 (Yahoo Life UK, 9-min read)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Could This Diet Help With Your Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes, night sweats and unexpected weight gain—for many women navigating menopause, these symptoms are more than just uncomfortable. They can be disruptive, frustrating and isolating. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications are a go-to for some, new research suggests a powerful alternative: a vegan diet. And notably, it works even when processed foods are still on the plate. In a recent study conducted by The Menopause Society and published in the journal Menopause, experts researched how plant-based eating can benefit women in midlife. 'This study highlights the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy, regardless of the level of processing, in terms of both hot flash and weight management,' Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the Menopause Society, said in a statement. More from Flow Space The Surprising Risk Factor for Alzheimer's All Menopausal Women Need to Know Ahead, learn more about how a vegan diet can help manage menopause symptoms and improve your overall health. According to Lisa Schultz, a certified nutritionist, personal trainer and weight loss expert, a vegan diet can support menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain. Vegan diets are effective because they exclude heavily saturated fats like red and processed meats, deli meats and dairy, which are known contributors to inflammation and are high in calories. Schultz explains that highly inflammatory foods can add to menopause symptoms. 'With that said, the quality of the diet definitely matters,' she adds. 'While even a processed vegan diet may offer some relief due to the absence of animal fats and the inclusion of soy, whole food-based vegan diets are more effective for symptom management and overall health.' Participants in the study were challenged to follow either a vegan diet supplemented with soybeans or an omnivorous diet, and both groups found success in mitigating hot flashes. Should soybeans be a topic of conversation when discussing options for soothing midlife symptoms? 'Soy deserves a redemption arc in the menopause conversation,' says Yaa Boakye, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), personal trainer, nutrition consultant and body data practitioner. 'Despite years of unfounded fears, current research shows that traditional soy foods—think tempeh, tofu, edamame and miso—can be powerful allies during menopause.' Boakye also explains that isoflavones in soy (specifically genistein and daidzein) act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). This means they can provide estrogenic effects where beneficial (such as reducing hot flashes) while blocking more potent estrogens where protective, like in breast tissue. But there is a crucial distinction when deciding what version of soy to implement into your diet: Whole soy foods versus isolated soy proteins and ultra-processed soy products. Traditional fermented soy (tempeh, miso, natto) offers enhanced bioavailability—your body can actually use more of the beneficial compounds. While 'soy protein isolates in bars and shakes lack the full spectrum of nutrients and may not provide the same benefits,' Boakye says. Schultz also argues that soy is incredibly beneficial for those experiencing menopause symptoms since it provides a source of protein, calcium and isoflavones without the added sugars, oils or preservatives. But it's not just the vegan aspect of the diet that makes it effective; it's that it's nutrient-dense and balanced. 'When combined with vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and starches, it's a well rounded diet,' Shultz explains. 'Just like with everything, nothing should be overdone.' Start by adding one to two whole soy foods per day in place of processed meats like deli meat, bacon or sausage. From there, increase intake of fiber-rich vegetables, legumes and whole grains. According to Schultz, you should build meals with protein, complex carbs and some healthy fats. 'Gradually reduce highly processed vegan items and read labels carefully to prevent adding high sodium, oily condiments and processed snack foods,' she continues. 'A well-planned, plant-based diet during menopause is like hiring a multitasking assistant —it addresses multiple concerns simultaneously,' Boakye says. 'Plant-based diets can help reduce heart disease risk.' Plant compounds can improve also sleep architecture. 'Tryptophan from seeds and nuts are a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin,' Boakye shares. Additionally, she notes that prebiotic fibers feed beneficial bacteria, which produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (which is 90% produced in the gut). 'B-vitamins from whole grains support cognitive function, especially B6, B12 and folate,' she adds. And stable blood sugar from complex carbs helps emotional regulation. Always work with a healthcare provider familiar with plant-based nutrition during menopause—ideally, a team including your doctor, a registered dietitian and possibly a menopause specialist. 'They can help you navigate potential drug-nutrient interactions, ensure you're meeting all nutritional needs and adjust recommendations based on your individual health markers,' Boakye notes.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Senators grill NIH director on massive budget cuts
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya faced critical questions from both Republican and Democratic senators Tuesday as he sought to defend the Trump administration's sweeping plans to reorganize the agency and slash budgets for medical research. Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-ME) swiftly criticized the current budget cuts and proposed changes, including a nearly 40% reduction to the National Institute of Aging's spending and 40% overall cuts to the agency's institutes. 'As the senator representing … the oldest state in the nation, this is a particular concern,' Collins said. 'I know personally what it means to so many American families.' The senator also said caps on indirect spending for universities are 'so poorly conceived' and have harmed U.S. medical research. 'It is leading to scientists leaving the United States for opportunities in other countries. It's causing clinical trials to be halted and promising medical research to be abandoned.' A federal court has paused the 15% cap on payments for indirect costs, but the administration assumed savings from the change in its 2026 fiscal year budget. Bhattacharya defended certain administrative changes while distancing himself from others, such as a pause on Northwestern University's grant funding, saying certain terminations happened before he assumed his role. In answering Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) about overall cuts, Bhattacharya took responsibility for other sweeping grant cancellations. 'There's changes in priorities at the NIH to move away from politicized science, I made those decisions,' he said. The hearing room was filled with purple-garbed advocates for Alzheimer's disease research and representatives of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network dressed in light blue. Baldwin harshly criticized the proposed $18 billion reduction to the NIH's total spending, saying cuts will resonate as the NIH funds 15,000 fewer medical research projects. 'While I think Congress will reject your budget request, it clearly shows the administration's intent,' Baldwin said. 'How is this proposal anything but intentionally sabotaging biomedical research?' Bhattacharya said he is 'happy to work with Congress' on the budget and more flexible spending on medical research.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
A quarter of the world's population are adolescents: major report sets out health and wellbeing trends
The Lancet has released its second global commission report on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing. Adolescents are defined as 10- to 24-year-olds. The report builds on the first one, done in 2016. The latest report presents substantial original research that supports actions it recommends to be taken across sectors as well as at global, regional, country and local level. The co-chairs of the commission, Sarah Baird, Alex Ezeh and Russell Viner, together with the youth commissioners lead, Shakira Choonara, give a guide to the report's findings. The report noted significant improvements in some aspects of adolescent health and wellbeing since the 2016 report. These include reductions in: communicable, maternal and nutritional diseases, particularly among female adolescents the burden of disease from injuries substance use, specifically tobacco and alcohol teenage pregnancy. It also found that there had been an increase in age at first marriage and in education, especially for young women. Despite this progress, adolescent health and wellbeing is said to be at a tipping point. Continued progress is being undermined by rapidly escalating rates of non-communicable diseases and mental disorders, accompanied by threats from compounding and intersecting megatrends. These include climate change and environmental degradation, the growing power of commercial influences on health, rising conflict and displacement, rapid urbanisation, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. These megatrends are outpacing responses from national governments and the international community. Born between 2000 and 2014, this is the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life in a time when the average annual global temperature has consistently been 0.5°C or higher above pre-industrial levels. At roughly 2 billion adolescents, they are the largest cohort of adolescents in the history of humanity. And this number will not be surpassed as populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries. They are the first generation of global digital natives. They live in a world of immense resources and opportunities, with unprecedented connectedness made possible by the rapid expansion of digital technologies. This is true even in the hardest-to-reach places. Growing participation in secondary and tertiary education is equipping adolescents of all genders with new economic opportunities and providing pathways out of poverty. These opportunities, however, are not being realised for most adolescents. Increasing numbers continue to grow up in settings with limited opportunities. In addition, investments in adolescent health and wellbeing continue to lag relative to their population share or their share of the global burden of disease. Investments in adolescents accounted for only 2.4% of the total development assistance for health in 2016-2021. This was despite the fact that adolescents accounted for 25.2% of the global population in that period and 9.1% of the total burden of disease. We use development assistance as a measure because, while governments also invest in adolescents, it's difficult to account for how much this is. For example, when a government supports a health facility, it serves the entire population. Yet, the report provides evidence to show that the return on investments in adolescent health and wellbeing is highly cost-effective and at par with investments in children. The report recognises the special place of Africa in the global future of adolescents. It notes that, by the end of this century, nearly half of all adolescents will live in Africa. Currently, adolescents in Africa experience higher burdens of communicable, maternal and nutritional diseases, at more than double the global average for both male and female adolescents. They also have a higher prevalence of anaemia, adolescent childbearing, early marriage and HIV infection. They are much less likely to complete 12 years of schooling and more likely to not be in education, employment, or training. Female adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest adolescent fertility rate at 99.4 births per 1,000 female adolescents aged 15-19 (the global average is 41.8). They have also experienced the slowest decline between 2016 and 2022. Globally, there was progress in reducing child marriage between 2016 and 2022. But in eight countries in 2022, at least one in three female adolescents aged 15–19 years was married. All but one of these eight countries were in sub-Saharan Africa. Niger (50.2%) and Mali (40.6%) had the highest proportion of married female adolescents. The practice of child marriage is declining in south Asia and becoming more concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. As the report notes: it continues because of cultural norms, fuelled by economic hardships, insurgency, conflict, ambiguous legal provisions, and lack of political will to enforce legal provisions. Beyond adolescent sexual and reproductive health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, obesity is increasing fastest in the region. This illustrates the vulnerability of adolescents to the power of commercial interests. Since 1990, obesity and overweight has increased by 89% in prevalence among adolescents aged 15–19 years in sub-Saharan Africa. This is the largest regional increase. The absence of data on adolescents is a problem. Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are absent in many data systems. For example, data on adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa is virtually absent. Stronger data systems are needed to understand and track progress on the complex set of determinants of adolescent health and wellbeing. Another area of concern is the massive inequities within countries, often gendered or by geography. While female adolescents in Kenya are experiencing substantial declines in the burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, adolescent males are experiencing increasing burdens. In South Africa, years of healthy life lost to maternal disorders show more than 10-fold differences between the Western Cape and North West provinces. Where there's been strong political leadership, remarkable changes have been seen. Take the case of Benin Republic. The adolescent fertility rate in the country declined from 26% in 1996 to 20% in 2018 and child marriage from 39% to 31% over the same period. Strong political leadership has also led to substantial reductions in female genital mutilation or cutting. This fell from 12% of girls in Benin in 2001 to 2% in 2011–12 among 15–19-year-old girls in Benin Republic. Political leadership also facilitated the expansion, by the national parliament in 2021, of the grounds under which women, girls, and their families could access safe and legal abortion. But for every country that takes positive steps to protect the health and wellbeing of adolescents, several others regress. The last decade has witnessed regression in several countries. In 2024, The Gambia attempted to repeal a 2015 law criminalising all acts of female genital mutilation or cutting. In 2022, Nigeria's federal government ordered the removal of sex education from the basic education curriculum. The report calls for a multisectoral approach across multiple national ministries and agencies, including the office of the head of state, and within the UN system. Coordination and accountability mechanisms for adolescent health and wellbeing also need to be strengthened. Laws and policies are needed to protect the health and rights of adolescents, reduce the impact of the commercial determinants of health, and promote healthy use of digital and social media spaces and platforms. Strong political leadership at local, national, and global levels is essential. The report also calls for prioritised investments, the creation of enabling environments to transform adolescent health and wellbeing, and the development of innovative approaches to address complex and emerging health threats. It calls for meaningful engagement of adolescents in policy, research, interventions and accountability mechanisms that affect them. Without these concerted actions, we risk failing our young people and losing out on the investments being made in childhood at this second critical period in their development. The current adverse international aid climate is particularly affecting adolescents as much development assistance relates to gender and sexual and reproductive health. Concerted action in addressing adolescent health and wellbeing is an urgent imperative for sub-Saharan Africa. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Alex Ezeh, Drexel University; Russell Viner, UCL, and Sarah Baird, George Washington University Read more: Canada must take action to prevent climate-related migration We design cities and buildings for earthquakes and floods — we need to do the same for wildfires Eating wild meat carries serious health risks – why it still happens along the Kenya-Tanzania border Alex Ezeh is a fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (Stias). Russell Viner and Sarah Baird do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
