Study Finds Lifestyle Choices Impact Dementia Risk Regardless of Genetics
A recent French study reveals that lifestyle and other modifiable risk factors for dementia are linked to cognitive changes independently of genetic risks, including those associated with the APOE4 gene. Researchers followed nearly 5,200 participants over 12-17 years and found that higher scores on the Lifestyle for Brain (LIBRA) health risk scale correlated with increased dementia incidence and cognitive decline, regardless of genetic susceptibility.
Key findings include:
- Dementia incidence increased with worse lifestyle risk scores, unaffected by APOE4 or other genetic factors.
- The hazard ratio for dementia per 1-point increase in LIBRA scores was similar for both APOE4 carriers and non-carriers.
- Analyses of cognitive trajectories supported these findings, showing worse initial cognition and steeper decline with higher LIBRA scores in all genetic risk categories.
This study emphasizes the potential for lifestyle modifications to reduce dementia risk, suggesting that targeted prevention efforts can be beneficial even for those with high genetic susceptibility. Up to 40% of dementia cases may be delayed or slowed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as diet, exercise, and mental stimulation.
These insights are crucial for public health strategies, advocating for a "precision prevention" approach where interventions are tailored to individual risk profiles. Despite its observational nature and some limitations, this research supports the notion that lifestyle changes can play a significant role in dementia prevention.
For more detailed information, please refer to the MedPage Today article.
Source: George, J. (2024). Lifestyle-dementia links persist regardless of risk genes, French study shows. https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/dementia/110305