Two new risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease were recently identified.
“The first is vision loss, and this adds on to what we already knew, that hearing loss is a risk factor,” said Dr. Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “In a similar way, vision loss is a risk factor. The other brand-new risk factor is high LDL cholesterol. And this is a brand-new risk that adds on to medical risks like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Caldwell said they’re not entirely sure why these two health issues could play a role in a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s.
However, it’s possible vision loss could impact a person’s sensory input, meaning their brain is not processing as much information.
Vision loss could also make it harder for an individual to exercise, socialize with family and friends, or do other stimulating activities.
As for those with high levels of LDL cholesterol, Caldwell explains that it’s not good for our heart and blood vessels.
Our brain has a lot of small blood vessels, so they can be more easily impacted by things like cholesterol.
“If a person is suffering from vision loss or from high LDL cholesterol, the key is to get those items treated. So, if you’re concerned about your vision, go to your eye doctor, have an updated vision test, and follow any guidelines that that doctor might have for you,” she advised. “Similarly, if you have high LDL, or if that runs in your family, the recommendation is really to get regular checkups with your doctor. And if they recommend treatment by diet and exercise or even by medications, follow those guidelines.”
Caldwell said keeping a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for everyone when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s.
She also recommends staying cognitively active.
You can do that by reading, doing puzzles, word games, learning something new or finding another way to challenge yourself.