Losing The Mind?

The incidence of dementia is increasing. It's estimated that, by 2050, 153 million folk could be afflicted by this condition. Developing a predictive tool for older folk seems a timely idea (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/24/dementia-risk-study-finds-11-key-factors-behind-condition). Data from more than 223,000 subjects, aged 50-73, from the UK Biobank and the Whitehall II studies, was analysed. Dementia risk was clearly linked to the possession of the APOE gene. There's nothing much one can do about that, other than screen for it (and add to the risk calculation). The study confirmed, however, there were also 11 important lifestyle risk factors for developing dementia. These have now been used to develop the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBDRS) tool. Risk factors included smoking, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes, depression and alcohol intake. All are modifiable and it's claimed that lifestyle changes could avert 40% of dementia cases. It's also suggested that folk scoring high on the UKBDRS, could be helped with brain scans, cognitive therapy etc. Reducing dementia would profoundly benefit individuals, their families, society and health services.