What do people fear most about growing older? According to Psychology Today, the two biggest sources of anxiety about aging are loss of independence and deteriorating health. For many, these worries can be distilled down to one frightening health condition: dementia.

Dementia affects tens of millions of people and their families worldwide. Nearly 7 million of those reside in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and the societal cost to care for these patients – already stratospheric – could rise to $1 trillion by 2050. So, in light of those figures, one would think the medical community would embrace any strategy to reduce the prevalence of dementia, no matter what the cost – right?

There’s good news on that front – and it’s not a new drug or diagnostic tool. Instead, new research suggests that intentional lifestyle changes really can cut the rate of dementia quite drastically.

Startling Conclusion Concerning the Power of Small Changes

This week we came across this provocative article from a website called Medical Xpress. It describes research conducted by Eric Larson and Laura Gitlin. Dr. Larson is an MD and a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, while Dr. Gitlin is an applied research sociologist and dean emerita of Drexel University’s College of Nursing.

These highly regarded academicians have come to the startling conclusion that a systematic approach to lifestyle change could reduce the incidence of dementia by an astounding 45 percent. Intrigued? So are we – so let’s see what this new research has revealed.

Addressing Basic Risk Factors Can Produce Dramatic Results

Larson and Gitlin propose in their new study that nearly half of all dementia cases could be delayed—or prevented altogether—by addressing 14 possible risk factors in early, middle, and late life.  

This is crucial information for a disease that has a worldwide impact.

“Dementia, a rapidly increasing global challenge, affects an estimated 57 million worldwide, and this number is expected to increase to 153 million by 2050 worldwide,” Larson and Gitlin write. “Although the prevalence of dementia is on the decline in high-income countries, it continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries.”

The study was published in the third updated report of The Lancet Commission on Dementia.

While previous reports have highlighted some of the risk factors that people can modify in their lives to combat dementia, this one includes new evidence which supports two more risk factors: vision loss and high cholesterol.

Ultimately, according to Larson and Gitlin, the study offers good news and a strong message: “Policymakers, clinicians, individuals and families can be ambitious about prevention and reducing dementia risk; and for those living with dementia and their caregivers, support their quality of life using evidence-based approaches.”

Research Identifies 14 “Modifiable” Dementia Risk Factors

The study’s finding of a potential 45 percent reduction in dementia represents a worldwide average. There’s a possibility for even greater effects in low- and middle-income countries and for low-income people in higher-income countries, taking into account other factors.

Reducing the 14 risks can increase a person’s healthy years of life and reduce the length of time that poor health affects people with dementia.

“Additionally, the report cites clinical trials showing that nonpharmacological approaches, such as using activities tailored to interests and abilities, can reduce dementia-related symptoms and improve quality of life,” Larson and Gitlin write.

Longer Life Span Highlights Need for Dementia Prevention

Despite the rapid growth of aging populations worldwide—a sign of better public and personal health across the board—there is no cure for dementia. This is why Larson and Gitlin believe that prevention and a supported quality of life are vital for combating this disease.

“In the new report, our team proposed an ambitious program for preventing dementia that could be implemented at the individual, community and policy levels and across the life span from early life through mid and late life,” Larson and Gitlin write.

The List of Risk Factors We Have the Power to Address

Here’s the list of modifiable risk factors we found in the Medical Xpress article.

Early Education: Beginning early in life, focus on general education concerning better health and risk factors for dementia. This effort will better equip people to take charge of their health all their lives.

Midlife Risk Factors: In midlife, address these 11 concerns: hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, traumatic brain injury, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption.

Late Life Risk Factors: In later life, in addition to monitoring Midlife Risk Factors, focus on reducing social isolation, exposure to air pollution, and uncorrected vision loss.

An abundance of new research shows that when these risk factors are addressed, they are linked with better cognition and a likely reduction of dementia risk. This is especially true in higher-income countries.

Dementia Risk Factors: More Research Needed

Arguably the most positive takeaway from the study: risk factors are most often causal and can be eliminated. This is good news for all who wish to prevent the onset of dementia.

“The commission emphasized the need for more research to identify additional risk factors, test risk factor changes in clinical trials, provide guidance for public health efforts, and identify and evaluate strategies for implementing and scaling evidence-based programs that support people with dementia and caregivers,” Larson and Gitlin write.

But the scope of this study and its results is vast, and global public health officials and researchers are already discussing its use as a guideline for newer, better, more extensive impacts on a disease that causes so much pain to so many people.  

Rajiv Nagaich – Your Retirement Planning Coach and Guide

The long-awaited book by Rajiv Nagaich, called Your Retirement: Dream or Disaster, has been released and is now available to the public. Retirement: Dream or Disaster joins Rajiv’s ground-breaking DVD series and workbook, Master Your Future, as a powerful planning tool in your retirement toolbox. As a friend of AgingOptions, we know you’ll want to get your copy and spread the word.

You’ve heard Rajiv say it repeatedly: 70 percent of retirement plans will fail. If you know someone whose retirement turned into a nightmare when they were forced into a nursing home, went broke paying for care, or became a burden to their families – and you want to make sure it doesn’t happen to you – then this book is must-read.

Through stories, examples, and personal insights, Rajiv takes us along on his journey of expanding awareness about a problem that few are willing to talk about, yet it’s one that results in millions of Americans sleepwalking their way into their worst nightmares about aging. Rajiv lays bare the shortcomings of traditional retirement planning advice, exposes the biases many professionals have about what is best for older adults, and much more.

Rajiv then offers a solution: LifePlanning, his groundbreaking approach to retirement planning. Rajiv explains the essential planning steps and, most importantly, how to develop the framework for these elements to work in concert toward your most deeply held retirement goals.

Your retirement can be the exciting and fulfilling life you’ve always wanted it to be. Start by reading and sharing Rajiv’s important message. And remember, Age On, everyone!

(originally reported at www.medalxpress.com)