From the Guidelines
Neuromedical diseases have multiple risk factors that increase susceptibility, with age being a primary risk factor, and lifestyle factors, genetics, and modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity playing a crucial role. The risk factors for neuromedical diseases can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Demographic factors: age is the strongest risk factor for dementia, with the risk increasing exponentially after the age of 65 1
- Genetic factors: family history of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, increases the risk of developing these conditions 1
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity are major modifiable risk factors for neuromedical diseases, particularly stroke and vascular dementia 1
- Medical factors: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are major modifiable risk factors for stroke and vascular dementia, and managing these conditions can reduce the risk of cognitive decline 1
- Environmental factors: exposure to toxins, head injuries, and infections affecting the nervous system can contribute to neurological disease development 1
According to the most recent and highest quality study, managing medical and lifestyle vascular risk factors is crucial to achieve maximum risk reduction for first-ever or recurrent stroke, and associated cognitive impairment 1. This can be achieved through:
- Assessing and managing medical risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipids
- Promoting lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation
- Referring patients to appropriate specialists to support and manage specific medical and lifestyle vascular risk factors and comorbidities
- Providing additional support, such as communication tools, memory aids, and caregiver and family participation, to optimize participation in goal-setting and engagement in interventions 1
From the Research
Risk Factors of Neuromedical Diseases
The risk factors of neuromedical diseases are multifaceted and can be influenced by various factors. Some of the key risk factors include:
- Hypertension, which is a known risk factor for cognition-related pathologies, including dementia 2
- High cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease 3, 4
- Lack of effective primary and secondary prevention strategies, which can lead to a prolonged prodromal phase and a relentless, often deleterious course of neurologic diseases 5
- Inadequate access to evidence-based practices, which can result in unnecessary, expensive, and potentially harmful treatments 6
Prevention and Management
Prevention and management of neuromedical diseases require a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Universal and selective primary prevention strategies to promote brain health 5
- Implementation of evidence-based practices into real-world settings, which can be facilitated by implementation science 6
- Use of medications such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and statins, which have shown neuroprotective effects in some studies 2, 3, 4
- Management of risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels, which can help prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases 2, 3, 4