Dementia Not Inevitable with Age; Doctors Reveal 12 Modifiable Risk Factors in Taiwan

Dementia is not an inevitable outcome of aging, and proactive prevention and early diagnosis can help slow disease progression, Taiwanese physicians emphasize. As Taiwan transitions into a super-aged society, the number of dementia patients continues to rise, making these insights particularly relevant.

Recent advancements include new anti-amyloid drugs approved by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare. These medications can clear amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, potentially slowing cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. However, the full treatment course is costly, ranging from NT$1.5 million to NT$2 million, and is currently entirely self-funded.

Physicians note that the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is the abnormal buildup of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. These proteins accumulate like "dust" in the brain, leading to nerve cell degeneration. While the new drugs use antibodies to clear these proteins, thorough pre-treatment evaluations, including PET scans and genetic testing, are necessary. Individuals with the ApoE4 gene, especially those with two copies, face a higher risk of dementia and potential complications like brain microhemorrhages or edema, making them unsuitable candidates for this specific treatment.

Beyond new medications, doctors strongly advocate for preventative measures. Citing the 12 modifiable risk factors identified in The Lancet, they highlight the benefits of early education, managing mid-life health issues such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking, avoiding alcohol abuse and head trauma, improving hearing, and staying socially isolated. For seniors, maintaining cognitive function involves continuous learning, social interaction, and staying active post-retirement, rather than "retiring from retirement."