Skip to main content
Donate
Ways To Give
Tell us what you think about the Defy Dementia podcast, videos and infographics by completing a brief survey.
 
Listen EventsAbout ResourcesFrench Version Donate
You can click on the links below to quickly access specific parts of this page:
Episode 1: Senses Episode 2: Loneliness Episode 3: Cognitive Engagement Episode 4: Exercise Episode 5: Nutrition Episode 6: Brain-Health Resolution Episode 7: Air Pollution Episode 8: SleepEpisode 9: Keep it SimpleEpisode 10: StressEpisode 11: Caregiving Episode 12: DNAEpisode 13: Women’s Brain Health Episode 14: Stick it to StigmaEpisode 15: The Why Behind DefyEpisode 16: Lying for LoveEpisode 17: Music, Memories and the Mind Episode 18: Well-Being Episode 19: Brain Injury and Dementia Risk

Defy Dementia Episode 15: The Why Behind Defy

A 2020 report from the Lancet Commission initially helped inspire our hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler to start the Defy Dementia podcast and help people reduce their dementia risk. In this special episode, they dive into the groundbreaking findings from the latest Lancet Commission report, published in August 2024. Joined by lead author Dr. Gillian Livingston, they explore how nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing key lifestyle factors. Discover the two new risk factors identified in the report, and gain practical insights on how you can take action today to protect your brain health.

Note: The full report of the Lancet Commission can be accessed here.


 
 
Episode 15: Transcript

 

Key takeaways

  • There’s a lot you can do to reduce your dementia risk. Even if you have dementia, these things could help you have a longer, healthier life. 
  • Modifiable lifestyle factors now account for even more dementia risk than we thought: 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide, up from 40 per cent.
  • Two new factors are associated with dementia risk: high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and uncorrected vision loss.
    • LDL cholesterol may lead to small strokes and an increase in dementia-related proteins in the brain.
    • Uncorrected vision loss can lead to social isolation, decreased cognitive engagement and physical activity, and difficulty processing information. 
  • When people and governments take action, it makes a difference. For example, as fewer people smoke, smoking-related dementia risk has decreased. 

Key Actions

  • Schedule regular eye exams and correct any vision loss as soon as possible.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to check and manage your cholesterol levels.
  • It’s never too late or too early to take steps to protect your brain, so embrace lifestyle changes whenever you can.

Resources

 

Learn more about our guests

Dr. Gill Livingston is Professor of Psychiatry of Older People at University College London. She is a clinical academic who has spent her career working with people living with dementia and their families. She led the Lancet Standing Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care, which published reports in 2017, 2020 and 2024. The findings of these reports have substantial implications for preventing and delaying a significant proportion of dementia cases and have resulted in changes in UK and US policy to reduce dementia risk. Dr. Livingston also researches interventions to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families and staff caring for them, and particularly considers underserved and minority communities. She leads the Strategies for Relatives (START) programme, which promotes coping strategies for carers of people living with dementia who may experience depression and anxiety symptoms.