A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that genetic factors contributing to smoking and high body mass index (BMI) are significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia. Conversely, education and physical activity appear to offer protective benefits.
By Hugo Francisco de SouzaReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 17 2024 New research from the University of Copenhagen links genetic predispositions to smoking and high BMI with elevated dementia risk while highlighting the protective power of education and physical activity.
Triglycerides as a key risk factor: The study identified high triglycerides, often overlooked in dementia research, as significantly increasing the risk of all-cause and vascular dementia. Background Dementia is a serious and potentially lethal age-associated neurological condition characterized by a substantial gradual decline in cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and judgment. It is one of the most prevalent causes of non-communicable disability and death and, unfortunately, remains without cure.
Despite decades of research, causal associations between modifiable risk factors and dementia outcomes remain vague and often confounding. Studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning these associations, but the current lack of discrete-age datasets and analyses leads to several studies, even using identical datasets, providing contrasting outcomes.
No evidence of alcohol impact: Unlike other risk factors, the study found no significant genetic association between alcohol consumption and dementia, despite prior observational studies suggesting otherwise. GWAS MR predictions revealed that of the 14 factors listed in the Lancet Commission report, genetic predispositions to high BMI resulted in dementia most frequently. Similarly, frequent smoking , high systolic and diastolic blood pressure , high LDL cholesterol , high triglycerides , and T2D substantially increased future dementia risk.
DEMETIA RISK GENETIC PREDISPOSITIONS SMOKING BMI EDUCATION PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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