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

News-CRUX-10     31st July 2024        
QEP Pocket Notes

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.
QEP Pocket Notes