The risk of dementia depends on more than lifestyle factors. Speech, it can cause a mark and guilt

With the raise in public awareness about dementia, also prevention appetite. Global headers advertise benefits exercisesIN Diet, brain training and social activity reducing the risk of dementia.

In recent years, medical magazines They strengthened this message to encourage people to take control of their cognitive future by changing their lifestyle. Lancet last year estimated Up to 45% of cases of dementia around the world can be theoretically delaying or prevented by solving modifiable risk factors.

These messages are undeniably full of hope. Suggest personal effort in combination with emerging scientific evidence, it can assist defeat The disease is perceived for a long time as inevitable.

But public health messages that focus too narrowly on behavior can mislead and potentially harmfulhow we argue in lancet.

This can lead to a two -level system in which wealthy people are praised for their proactive brain health, while marginalized groups encounter barriers to participation and are blamed for the perceived inactivity.

What is dementia and what causes it?

Dementia is Neurocognitive disorder And describes the conditions that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but they are different, such as vascular and left dementia.

It happens when Brain cells are damaged And stop communicating properly. This can cause confusion, forgetfulness and changes in behavior or mood.

Dementia is associated with some of our deepest cultural worries: the limits of autonomy, depending on others, The mark of diagnosis and unknown.

So what increases the risk of dementia? Some Risk factors cannot be changed. Age is the greatest. Family history and some genes, such as APoe-E4, also raise the risk.

But many risk factors are modified, which means that we can do something with them. Obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure raise the risk. Low level of exercise or education can also raise the chances of developing dementia.

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Read more: These 12 things can reduce the risk of dementia – but many Australians don’t know them all

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Learning for prevention

The science of preventing dementia has evolved significantly over the past decade. Lifestyle tests, from FinlandIN FranceIN Australia AND United States They examine whether diet combinations, physical activity, cognitive training and cardiovascular risk management (high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and smoking) can reduce the risk of dementia.

. Finnish examinationThe most frequently cited of them, they showed modest but significant cognitive benefits in the elderly at risk of dementia after two years of lifestyle intervention.

His success caused a wave of similar research around the world (so far, Over 40 attempts). In total, these attempts are a scientific basis for the increasingly popular message of public health: tomorrow of brain health is today associated with hearty behaviors.

Recent possibilities of preventing dementia are certainly promising. However, the translation of these arrangements into wide public campaigns is complexity and ethical tension.

The risk of dementia is related to the socio -economic defect

The risk of dementia is also determined by the sophisticated board external factors – Conditions outside our control – which are unevenly distributed in the whole society: air quality, ethnic origin, gender, profession, environment built.

These factors not only affect the fact that, but when dementia can develop.

The dissemination of dementia is disproportionately higher In communities facing social defects partly because it is possible to modify risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and low education more common in these areas.

But there is another layer: access. The same communities are more vulnerable There is often no access For interventions themselves aimed at reducing this risk.

Low income districts may have less green spacesprotected walking pathsOr Inexpensive, healthy food. They also become higher levels pollutionIN noise AND Chronic stress. All this can damage brain health.

Not everyone can access the types of hearty lifestyle to counteract the threats of dementia. Telling people to eat a Mediterranean diet or joined the gym can be chilly comfort for people without money, time, services or mobility.

Positioning dementia as something that people can also avoid the risk suggesting dementia is something that people can defeat To prevent. This can strengthen existing narratives that identify the disease in later life Weak lifestyle choices, not social unevenness.

So how do we do better?

First of all, preventive communication must be formulated in a social and cultural context.

This means recognition and dealing with barriers such as lack of food safety, lack of green space, care stress and healthcare system distrust.

Messages must be co -created with communities, not imposed on them and have Visual, motivating charm.

Secondly, we must move from individualistic narratives to collective responsibility. Brain health should be supported through public infrastructure, fair access to care and culturally sensitive health promotion.

Prevention not only in house. This is also happening kindergartenIN schoolIN shopping centersclinics, parks and political rooms.

Finally, we have to change your success. Prevention of dementia is a worthy goal, but it ensures the same dignity, inclusion and concern for people who live with her. Just approaching brain health must make both.

The next generation of dementia message must be not only based on evidence, but also capital -oriented. It should strive for education without embarrassing, strengthening position without excluding and promoting brain health in a way that worshiped the reality of aging.