New research led by experts from UCL suggests that risk factors linked to heart health may be more influential in increasing the risk of memory loss compared to factors like smoking and lower education levels.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health has delved into how the prevalence of risk factors for memory loss has evolved over time and how this could impact future rates of memory-related conditions.
Currently, approximately 944,000 individuals in the UK are living with memory loss, and 52% of the UK population – around 34.5 million people – know someone who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia. It is a leading cause of death in the UK, especially among women since 2011.
There has been a growing interest in understanding modifiable risk factors, as eliminating these could potentially prevent about 40% of memory loss cases, as per research conducted by UCL researchers.
In this recent study, researchers reviewed 27 papers that included data on individuals with memory loss from various parts of the world, spanning from 1947 to 2015, with the latest data published in 2020. They analyzed information from each paper regarding memory loss risk factors and determined the proportion of memory loss cases linked to each factor over time.
Memory loss typically arises from a mix of genetic and environmental factors, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, education, and smoking.
The team observed that lower education levels and smoking have become less prevalent over time, correspondingly leading to decreased rates of memory loss. Conversely, rates of obesity and diabetes have risen over the years, along with their contribution to the risk of memory loss.
Among the studies reviewed, hypertension remained the most significant risk factor for memory loss, although the active management of hypertension has also seen an increase over time.
Dr. Naaheed Mukadam, the lead author from UCL Psychiatry, stated, “Risk factors related to heart health may have played a more substantial role in increasing the risk of memory loss over time, suggesting the need for targeted interventions in future memory loss prevention strategies.”
“Our findings indicate that education levels have risen over time in many high-income nations, reducing its significance as a risk factor for memory loss. Meanwhile, smoking rates have declined in Europe and the USA due to changing social norms and costs,” added Dr. Mukadam.
“These trends imply that interventions at a population level could significantly influence the occurrence of memory loss risk factors, prompting governments to consider implementing initiatives like global educational policies and smoking restrictions.”
The study received funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme.
Study Limitations
While reported levels of heart health risk factors may have increased over time, the proactive management of these conditions has also improved in many countries, potentially offsetting any negative impact on memory loss risk.
It’s important to note that all studies included in this research were conducted up to 2015 and may not reflect current trends in risk factors for memory loss.
