The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol Top the List of Dementia Risks You Can Control** High blood pressure, heart disease, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) stand out as leading modifiable factors linked to dementia risk, according to mounting evidence from recent studies[1][2]. **Mounting Evidence Points to Prevention Potential** Research builds on the 2024 Lancet Commission report, which identified 14 modifiable risk factors potentially preventing 45% of global dementia cases, now expanded in some analyses to include overlooked drivers like poverty and HIV, pushing preventability up to 65%[1][4][6]. **Shared Risks Across Brain Conditions** A Mass General Brigham study highlights 17 modifiable factors overlapping stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, including blood pressure, kidney disease, cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, physical activity, sleep, smoking, and stress, with high blood pressure and severe kidney disease showing the biggest impact[2]. **Vascular Health Takes Center Stage** In midlife, modifiable risks from the 2020 Lancet Commission—like hypertension, obesity, alcohol, hearing impairment, and head injuries—strongly link to cerebral small vessel disease, a key dementia contributor, especially in those without the APOE4 gene[3]. **Lifelong Actions for Brain Protection** Experts emphasize tackling these factors across life stages: avoid smoking and excess alcohol, maintain hearing and vision, build social networks, exercise your brain through learning, and prioritize physical activity to potentially delay dementia onset[4][5]. **Why It Matters Now** With dementia rates rising in aging populations but current Canadian cases lower than predicted due to better risk management, simple lifestyle tweaks offer real hope—consult professionals to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health today[4]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9