Statins and specs: Two new ways to cut risk of dementia added to worldwide list

Taking statins or wearing glasses when your eyesight starts faltering can help cut the risk of dementia, claim scientists.

Experts have added high cholesterol and vision loss to the possible factors for issues with cognitive functioning that can be countered by lifestyle changes.

The two new causes take the total of modifiable factors to 14, which the Lancet Commission on Dementia says are responsible for almost half of all cases.

Its document, written by 27 dementia experts worldwide and being presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, wants governments and individuals to do more to tackle these risks, starting in childhood.

It suggests youngsters should be encouraged to wear helmets while cycling or during contact sports – and promoting healthy eating at an early age could have a significant impact on later lives.

The report estimates the biggest risk factors globally are hearing impairment and high bad cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein, accounting for seven per cent of cases each.

The Commission outlines 13 recommendations, including finding and treating more cases of high cholesterol in over-40s and screening and treatment for vision and hearing loss.

Professor Masud Husain, from the University of Oxford, said: ‘If we did simple things well, such as screening for some of the factors identified in the report, this would be far more cost-effective than developing high-tech treatments.’

University College London estimates that public health measures to tackle dementia could save the country up to £4 billion ($A5.14 billion).

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS clinical director for dementia, said: ‘This research is important as it suggests there are more opportunities for all of us to take action throughout our lives to reduce our risk of developing dementia or delay its onset.’