MEDICAL RESEARCH

DOCTORS have identified seven lifestyle factors in middle age which have a significant influence on the risk of developing dementia in later life.

A major study suggests each of the seven elements – weight, diet, exercise, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and smoking – contributes to the chance of getting dementia.

Scientists at the University of Bordeaux tracked more than 6,600 French people from Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier.

The participants, who were at least 65 at the start of the study, were tested for the seven elements and then monitored for an average of eight and a half years.

For each of the seven tests that they “passed” as healthy, the risk of developing dementia over the following years went down by 10 per cent.

The scientists, whose findings were first reported and published in the JAMA medical journal, said their study demonstrates the link between cardiovascular health and the resilience of the brain.

“These findings may support the promotion of cardiovascular health to prevent risk factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia,” they wrote.

Experts in Britain say the findings from the research highlight the fact that the risk of dementia can be reduced with a healthy lifestyle.

A spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Although age is the largest risk factor for dementia, the condition is not an inevitable part of getting older and there are things we can all do to help reduce our risk.

“This large study of over 6,000 older people in France adds to a wealth of existing evidence indicating that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.

“We know that the diseases that cause dementia can begin to develop in the brain up to 20 years before symptoms show so it’s never too early to take steps to reduce your risk.

“As well as these seven aspects of healthy living, drinking within recommended guidelines and staying mentally active and socially engaged have also been linked to better brain health in later life.”

Dr Doug Brown, chief policy officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Of all the diseases in the UK dementia is now the biggest killer, so exploring potential factors which could reduce the risk of developing this devastating condition is fundamental to beating it.

“Taking care of your cardiovascular health… may help slow cognitive decline and reduce your risk of getting dementia.

“Although this study stopped short of examining whether participants had healthy hearts in earlier life – which might have contributed to fewer of them getting dementia in later life – everyone should take steps from an early age such as eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, and exercising regularly.”

The Seven Lifestyle Factors

. Weight – Have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25

. Diet – Eat fish twice a week and fruits and vegetables at least three times a day

. Exercise – Walk more than two hours a day or take part in intensive sport more than twice a week

. Cholesterol – Levels need to be less than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre)

. Blood Sugar – Should be less than 100 mg/dL

. Blood Pressure – Should be less than 120/80 mmHg

. Smoking – Not smoking

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MANY adults put off going to see their GP because they do not like being told what to do, research suggests.

Data from 4.300 Britons saw nearly one in five admit they had delayed making an appointment to avoid being lectured about lifestyle changes.

Experts say patients stay away for fear of giving away control – even when they are already showing worrying health symptoms – and warns this poses a considerable threat to public health.

The report, by experts at University College London, the University of Bedfordshire and thinktank 2020 Health, says many people also have a “fear of finding out” they are unhealthy and so avoid their doctor.

This can lead to major issues in the long term because minor problems missed at an early stage can escalate into far more severe issues. Many people – especially the rising number who know they do too little exercise or are overweight – do not report health complaints for fear of being lectured about their lifestyle.

GPs are encouraged by the NHS to ask patients about their weight and how much exercise they do, and are often given financial incentives to give weight-loss advice.

A spokesperson for 2020 Health, said: “It’s easy to think that consumers are wilfully refusing to change unhealthy habits, but the truth is, we are bombarded by conflicting health advice and mixed messages everywhere we turn.

“This is both confusing and dangerous as it can lead to important, evidence-based health information and guidance being lost or overlooked.

“Not only are lifestyle changes undermined, but the importance of getting specific symptoms checked out early are obscured.” Some 18 per cent of participants in the study – nearly one in five – said they had delayed an appointment because they were worried they might be pressured to change their lifestyle.

With 68 per cent of men and 58 per cent of women in Britain now overweight or obese, many may have reason to fear being lectured.

A quarter of participants said they had avoided a doctor because they did not want to be physically examined. A fifth said they were anxious about treatment that might be required, and another fifth were worried about the impact a diagnosis may have on family members.

The report, funded by pharmaceutical firm AbbVie, said patients who go to their doctor when they have a problem actually have a smaller impact on the NHS.

It said: “The model of the ‘good patient’ [is] one who adopts a healthier lifestyle, sees the doctor promptly if they notice what could be the early signs of illness and turns up to routine health checks and screening appointments.”