A recent study has highlighted two new elements that could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These two unexpected factors require our increased vigilance, according to the scientists behind the discovery.
A new study has just revealed two unexpected risk factors which could increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If certain factors are already well known, these two new factors just identified by doctors could change the way we understand and protect ourselves from this pathology. By adapting our habits and taking preventive measures, it is indeed possible to better protect our brain against Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions of people around the world, is often linked to well-established risk factors such as age, smoking, family history and hypertension. But, as reported Destination Healtha study conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic (Ohio, United States) revealed two new elements could also increase the risk of suffering from this disease.
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What are the two new risk factors identified?
These two unsuspected factors are only due to loss of vision et high LDL cholesterolmore commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. As for vision loss, researchers have discovered that it may actually play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, much like a previous study on hearing loss had shown. But how to explain this? When vision declines, the brain receives less sensory informationwhich decreases its activity and, ultimately, can promote its degeneration. Vision loss could also limit the ability to exercise, interact socially, or engage in stimulating activities. These factors, essential for good brain health, are directly affected by vision loss.
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As for high LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, we already know that it is bad for the heart, but it turns out that it can also directly affect the brain. The latter is particularly sensitive to blood circulation problems, because it is filled with small vessels. If these vessels are blocked due to cholesterolthe brain may lack oxygen and nutrientswhich, in the long term, can contribute to the degradation of cognitive functions. The study authors point out that high levels of LDL cholesterol harm the heart and blood vessels, and that the brain, rich in small vessels, would be particularly vulnerable to this effect.
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Symptoms to watch closely to avoid Alzheimer’s
By unveiling these new risk factors, experts point out that prevention is more important than ever. They emphasize the importance of taking care of your eyesight and monitoring your cholesterol, especially as you age. “If a person is suffering from vision loss or high LDL cholesterol, the key is to seek treatment”they assure. “If you are concerned about your eyesight, consult your ophthalmologist. If you have a high LDL level, or if it is a hereditary disease, it is important to consult regularly. And if your doctor recommends a suitable diet, to do exercise or drug treatment, follow his advice”, they also remind. In other words, never take these symptoms lightly and speak directly to your doctor to adapt your treatment.
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Although the precise link between these two factors and Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully elucidated, this study marks an important step in research. Scientists continue to dig into the mechanisms that link these disorders to the decline in brain function, hoping to be able to come up with new strategies to better prevent or treat the disease in the future. It is increasingly clear that to maintain a healthy brain, we must not only focus on factors like age or high blood pressure, but also on less often discussed elements, like eyesight or blood pressure. cholesterol.
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