Lancet Commission links dementia surge to rise in life expectancies

A 2024 report by the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention and intervention predicts a surge in global rates of individuals living with the symptoms, driven by a significant rise in life expectancies.

Dementia includes various conditions that affect the brain, making it challenging to remember things, think clearly, and handle daily tasks. People with dementia might have trouble recalling recent events, making decisions, or managing everyday activities like cooking or paying bills.

The Lancet Commission projects that by 2050, approximately 153 million people worldwide will be living with dementia. Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, affects nearly 6 million adults aged 65, which represents about 1 in 10 within this age group, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report reveals new evidence indicating that untreated vision loss and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol are significant risk factors for dementia. It suggests that approximately 45 per cent of dementia cases could be potentially prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors throughout various stages of life.

Around 10 per cent of dementia cases are associated with strokes or other issues related to brain blood flow. Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also contribute to the likelihood of developing dementia. Symptoms can vary depending on the affected brain regions and may suddenly worsen due to additional strokes or mini-strokes.

The Lancet Commission emphasises that targeting 14 key risk factors in childhood could prevent or delay nearly half of all dementia cases. In Kenya, about 258,000 older adults are living with dementia, but efforts to address the issue are limited by a lack of resources and awareness.

For most progressive dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no cure or treatment that halts its progression. However, certain medications can help temporarily slow the disease's advancement.

After a neurologist diagnoses dementia, they will recommend medications that may aid in managing the condition. In contrast, dementia caused by infections, thyroid disorders, or vitamin deficiencies can be reversed with appropriate treatment.

According to a publication by Agha Khan University Hospital, dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence among older adults globally. It profoundly affects not only those who suffer from it but also their caregivers and families. Witnessing a loved one transform from a vibrant individual into someone who struggles to understand their surroundings and manage daily activities can place a tremendous emotional burden on caregivers. Thus, providing education and support for these caregivers and families is crucial.

In Kenya, there is often a lack of awareness and understanding about dementia, leading to stigma and obstacles to diagnosis and care. Unfortunately, older adults with dementia are sometimes labelled as witches and ostracised from their communities due to their "strange behaviour." People with dementia need the same level of care, compassion, and understanding that we extend to children.

The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care has updated its list of risk factors, adding high cholesterol and vision loss to the 12 factors identified in its 2020 report. The previously recognised risk factors include low education levels, head injuries, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, hearing loss, depression, air pollution, and infrequent social contact.