A new report out ahead of the G8 Dementia Summit in London beginning today 11 Dec, notes
“New figures show an estimated 44 million people worldwide now have dementia, up from 35 million in 2010, and that number will reach 76 million in 2030, and 135 million by 2050. The new estimates are a “staggering” increase of 17% over figures published in 2009.” To read more on this report go to: http://www.uq.edu.au/ami/index.html?page=111205
Obviously dementia is a growing problem throughout the world, which now includes more underdeveloped countries, the report goes on to explain. So why is this happening, why are we seeing higher numbers? And what can be done to curb this tremendous burden? Regarding the “why” there appear to be 2 leading causes.
1. The lead researcher Professor Martin Prince from King’s College in London, notes one reason for the higher numbers may simply be due (as often is the case) to more accurate assessment procedures.
2. This could be a result of factors related to a more “modern” lifestyle, including less exercise and more refined foods. According to the study, prevalence of dementia in urban settings in Latin America is comparable with rates in Europe and the US, though the prevalence in China and India is lower.
While I don’t profess to know the answers to our world’s problems, I believe the international Alzheimer’s study conducted by Dr. William Grant back in the late 90’s sheds some light on this.
If you’ve attended my post grad course you may recall in this study Dr. Grant concluded the primary “causes” of Alzheimer’s came from their diet and lifestyle.
As people move to more urban settings they tend to depend less on the land, and more on technology, as a result they end up exercising less, and eating more refined foods. Having lived in South America, both in urban and rural areas for extended periods, I can attest to the fact that most urban Latinos, eat and drink (drink a lot of coke and other soft drinks) way too much sugar, and other refined carbs, and not enough fruit and veggies. At least, by in large, they do not eat as much produce as those in more rural area. (Which is what Dr. Grant found in China as well.) And of course the other factor is air pollution. There is tons more air pollution in Buenos Aires for example, than down on the Pampas in the midlands of Argentina where the Gauchos and farmers dwell. (Lower levels of dementia in India have been linked to lower sugar consumption and higher consumption of the spice turmeric – which contains the potent brain protector curcumin.)
So what can be done to curb this plague? While I doubt many in the world will give much heed to this simple solution, to me it seems quite clear. We need to exercise more, pollute less or avoid these urban toxins whenever possible, eat and drink less sugar, and eat more fruit and vegetables. Interestingly enough, as I was preparing this post I received an article from a colleague, that reported on another study to be presented today at this G8 London conference.
This was from a 35 year study at CardiffUniversity in Wales that looked at the impact of five healthy behaviors on physical and mental health. These behaviors were: regular exercise, non-smoking, low bodyweight, a healthy diet and a low alcohol intake. The outcomes:
“The people who consistently followed four or five of these behaviours experienced a 60 per cent decline in dementia and cognitive decline – with exercise being the strongest mitigating factor – as well as 70 per cent fewer instances of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, compared with people who followed none.” To learn more go to: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-12/cu-3ys120913.php
See also the post above on the relationship between diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Now let’s watch and see what happens. At this conference both of these studies should be presented, but will anyone connect the dots?? Much of the answer to this burgeoning “global dementia burden” is right there: Just teach and encourage the people of the world to do these 5 things, and more than 1/2 of this burden could be eliminated!!
But no, that’s tooo simple! I’ll try to watch for outcomes, but I bet the hue and cry will be for “more research.” That seems to be the political mantra “We need more money for more research! We’ve got to pour more millions into studying this thing (global dementia burden and causes of cognitive decline) futher!!“
As BF Skinner said, “It’s much easier to study behavior than to change it.” But the evidence seems pretty clear, if we ever hope to arrest this global loss of brain power, we’ve got to shift more of our focus from the mere study of behavior to changing it! Applying what we already know makes a difference, seems like good place to start!
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