Researchers from the University of Southern California analyzed data from more than 214,000 older adults across 14 countries and regions.
The aim was to determine whether the same risk factors for dementia apply worldwide.
The study, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, examined factors including high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, hearing loss, physical inactivity, and social isolation, according to SciTechDaily.
Some risks occur together
Although the countries differ from one another, the researchers also identified common patterns.
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Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol were often found in the same individuals. The same was true of smoking and alcohol consumption.
According to the researchers, this knowledge could make it easier to develop prevention strategies that address multiple risk factors at the same time.
No one-size-fits-all solution
The study also highlights significant differences between countries.
Low educational attainment was far more common among participants in China than in the United States, while a high body mass index (BMI) was significantly more common in the United States than in India.
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The researchers therefore conclude that dementia prevention strategies should be tailored to the specific challenges of each country.
A solution that works well in one place is not necessarily the best choice elsewhere.
According to the researchers, the findings could help governments and healthcare systems better target their prevention efforts.
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