23/08/2016
Over 47 million people worldwide are afflicted with dementia, with one in 14 being affected in the UK who are aged 65 and older.
Even now, despite heavy research, scientists are unable to explain why some are affected whereas others are not. Dr Ruth Peters is a neuroscientist from Imperial College London, and she has being working tirelessly in order to try to explain the risks involved with dementia. She is particularly interested in how lifestyle impacts on an individual’s health and how things that we can change such as weight, alcohol, smoking and blood pressure contribute to the overall risk of developing neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s.
Dr Peters found that a diet rich in fatty foods as well as living in polluted areas adds a large risk to contracting dementia, whereas exercising and lowering cholesterol helped to reduce the risks.
Dr Peters explained: "The evidence is increasingly suggesting that keeping a healthy blood circulation throughout the body is crucial for lowering dementia risk - in other words, what is good for your heart is good for your brain."
In order to keep neurons firing properly in the brain, the heart and circulatory system need to be in good working order. As a result, Dr Peters has now begun to focus on whether certain blood pressure medication can work better than others. The current consensus is that no particular type of medicine works better than another.
"Previous work has suggested a type of blood pressure medication called calcium channel blockers may improve cognitive function, though the latest findings don't suggest this," said Dr Peters. "There are still large gaps in our knowledge when it comes to dementia risk, which scientists are working hard to fill - but in the meantime keeping yourself fit, active and healthy will keep your brain - and body - in good shape."
Professor Anstey added: "Keeping healthy in middle age is important for brain ageing and reducing risk of dementia in old age - but it's never too early or too late to take steps to reduce your risk"
