dw.com
Germany: Lifestyle Changes Could Reduce Dementia Cases by 45%
Experts in Germany claim that adopting a healthy lifestyle could prevent up to 45% of dementia cases, highlighting modifiable risk factors like poor vision, high cholesterol, and social isolation, alongside the already known risk factors of age and other medical conditions.
- How significant is early diagnosis in managing dementia, and what treatment options are available?
- Early and comprehensive diagnosis is crucial because 7-15% of dementia cases are reversible, representing 20,000-30,000 cases annually. The recently approved drug Leqembi/Lecanemab, which significantly delays disease progression, requires very early diagnosis. However, the high cost of approximately €40,000 per patient annually limits access.
- What is the overall societal impact of dementia in Germany, and what is the role of public awareness campaigns like World Alzheimer's Day?
- In late 2023, approximately 1.8 million people in Germany lived with dementia, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for over 60%. World Alzheimer's Day and the Dementia Week aim to raise public awareness to improve understanding, compassion, and support for those affected. These campaigns emphasize that despite the disease's profound changes, individuals retain their humanity and emotional capacity.
- What are the key modifiable risk factors for dementia identified by German experts, and what is their potential impact on the number of cases?
- German experts identified poor vision, high cholesterol, depression, hearing loss, social isolation, lack of exercise, and hypertension as key modifiable risk factors. Eliminating these could reduce dementia cases by 45%, according to their estimations. In 2023 alone, approximately 400,000 people over 65 in Germany developed dementia.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of dementia, highlighting both the risk factors and the potential for prevention and mitigation. While it emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, it also stresses the role of lifestyle factors and the emotional well-being of those affected. There is no significant framing bias favoring one perspective over another.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article uses terminology consistent with medical reporting. There is no evidence of loaded language or emotionally charged terms.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including information on the economic burden of dementia on healthcare systems and families, as well as discussing the challenges faced by caregivers. While the article mentions the cost of a new drug, it doesn't fully explore the broader financial implications. Given the scope of the article, these omissions are understandable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by focusing on dementia prevention and improved diagnosis. It highlights that lifestyle factors like healthy eating, physical and mental activity, and social contact can prevent or positively influence the course of dementia. The discussion of early diagnosis and new treatments also contributes to better health outcomes. The article emphasizes the potential to reduce dementia cases by 45% through preventative measures, directly impacting the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.