DEMENTIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A new report from the 2024 Lancet Commission identifies untreated vision loss and high cholesterol as new risk factors, contributing to 9% of all dementia cases.

Dementia:

• About: It describes a collection of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.
• Impact on Daily Life: The symptoms of dementia interfere with the daily lives of those affected.
• Nature of Dementia: It is not one specific disease but a syndrome caused by various conditions.
• Common Symptom: Memory loss is often an early symptom of dementia but does not alone indicate the condition.

o Memory loss can result from a range of different causes.

• Causes: Dementia can be caused by various diseases or injuries that damage the brain.
• Alzheimer's Disease: The most common cause of dementia in older adults.
• Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for dementia.

Key Points of Report

• LDL Cholesterol and Dementia Risk: The report indicates that approximately 7% of dementia cases are associated with high levels of LDL cholesterol during midlife, starting around age 40.
• Impact of Untreated Vision Loss: Untreated vision loss in later life contributes to about 2% of dementia cases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining eye health.
• Age and Dementia: Age remains the strongest and most recognized risk factor for dementia, which is a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social skills.
• Leading Cause and Prevalence: Dementia is ranked as the seventh leading cause of death globally by WHO, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form, making up 60-70% of cases.