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Delhi, India – June 24, 2024 — Health experts have identified obesity and smoking as significant triggers for Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the urgent need to address these risk factors, particularly among young adults.
Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, poses a serious public health challenge as it leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and an inability to perform daily tasks. Experts warn that the disease’s impact is set to worsen unless proactive measures are taken.
“Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which can harm brain cells. Obesity is linked to inflammation and insulin resistance, both detrimental to brain health,” explained Dr. Vikas Mittal, a pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi.
These insights come at a crucial time, as a recent study published in The Lancet predicts that global dementia cases will triple by 2050, potentially affecting 153 million people. Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, is expected to see a significant rise.
“Obesity also causes conditions like diabetes and cardiac disease which are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s. The presence of these conditions worsens brain health while promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage, leading to memory decline and an increase in Alzheimer’s Disease,” added Dr. Anurag Saxena, Head of Neurosurgery at Manipal Hospital Dwarka.
Moreover, obesity impairs metabolic functions and insulin signaling, heightening the risk of neurodegeneration. Smoking exacerbates oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, accelerating the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and tar, damage blood vessels and interfere with blood flow, thereby accelerating not only Alzheimer’s but also other forms of dementia, Dr. Saxena noted.
Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s are particularly susceptible to the disease if they smoke, as the combination of genetic factors and the detrimental effects of smoking can hasten the progression of symptoms.
Dr. Shailesh Rohatgi, Head of the Department of Neurology at DPU Super Speciality Hospital in Pune, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and eating habits. He warned that vascular dementia could develop at an early age due to poor lifestyle choices and advised engaging in both physical and mental activities, such as board games, to promote brain health.
As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to soar, the experts underscore the necessity of preventive measures. Tackling obesity and smoking can play a crucial role in mitigating the risk and slowing the progression of this debilitating disease.
