Treating common diseases that do not directly affect the brain, such as gum disease and type 2 diabetes, could reduce dementia cases by approximately one third, according to groundbreaking new research. Chinese scientists have identified a significant connection between dementia risk and 16 peripheral health conditions, expanding our understanding of factors contributing to cognitive decline.
Peripheral Diseases Linked to Dementia Risk
The comprehensive study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, analysed data from over 200 previous research studies to evaluate the risk associated with 26 different diseases. Researchers discovered that 16 of these conditions showed a clear association with increased dementia risk, potentially accounting for 18.8 million cases worldwide.
High-Risk Conditions Identified
Among the peripheral diseases examined, several stood out as carrying particularly elevated risk:
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Chronic liver disease
- Hearing and vision loss
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Arthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
These conditions join hearing and vision loss, which have long been recognised as dementia risk factors, particularly for Alzheimer's disease - the most common form of the memory-robbing condition.
A New Approach to Brain Health
The research team emphasised that their findings point toward a crucial shift in how we approach dementia prevention. 'Our study revealed that maintaining peripheral organ health may be an important component of global policies for brain health promotion and dementia prevention,' they stated.
While the research doesn't yet establish direct causality between these peripheral diseases and dementia, it suggests that early treatment of these conditions could prevent numerous dementia cases. The scientists argue that simply identifying risk factors is no longer sufficient in the face of dementia's rapidly increasing global burden.
Practical Prevention Strategies
The researchers proposed several concrete interventions that could significantly reduce dementia risk:
- Oral health initiatives: Implementing regular dental appointments and education programmes for high-risk groups including those over 50, diabetics, and smokers
- Liver disease prevention: Expanding hepatitis B vaccination programmes and increasing public awareness about alcohol-related liver damage
- Diabetes management: Developing proactive public health policies to address the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes
The Growing Dementia Crisis
Current statistics paint a concerning picture of dementia's impact:
- Approximately 900,000 people in the UK currently live with dementia
- This figure is projected to rise to over 1.6 million by 2040
- Dementia accounts for more than 74,000 deaths annually in the UK
- Globally, dementia cases are expected to nearly triple to 153 million by 2050
- The condition costs the UK economy an estimated £42 billion each year
Despite these staggering figures, dementia receives significantly less research funding than other major illnesses like cancer, and recent changes to NHS planning guidance have raised concerns about its prioritisation within healthcare systems.
Building on Previous Research
This study expands upon findings from the 2024 Lancet Commission, which concluded that almost half of all Alzheimer's cases could be prevented through addressing modifiable risk factors. These include high cholesterol, untreated hearing and vision loss, physical inactivity, social isolation, and long-term exposure to air pollution.
The researchers concluded: 'Given the close interconnection between the brain and peripheral health, preserving peripheral organ health may be crucial for brain health. As most peripheral diseases are preventable, addressing them may offer a strategy that not only directly benefits peripheral organ health but also supports brain health, thereby contributing to overall human well-being.'
They emphasised that interventions focusing on peripheral disease management are feasible, cost-effective, and scalable through existing healthcare and education systems, offering a practical pathway to reducing dementia's global burden.
