The Lancet Commission has been accused of ignoring two very effective ways of minimizing dementia risk factors. The Alzheimer’s Prevention Expert Group pointed out that the commission failed to mention the benefits of B vitamins, omega-3 fish oils, and a low-sugar diet. Led by 11 leading scientists, the group has requested that the commission revise its current report on dementia. They believe that the report has not taken the effectiveness of nutrition or lifestyle interventions into consideration.
The Health Benefits of Nutrients
The Alzheimer’s Prevention Expert Group has pointed out that the scientific evidence clearly indicates the health benefits of nutrients. This includes high doses of omega-3 fish oils and B vitamins, as well as a low-sugar diet. In 2020, an in-depth Chinese study of Alzheimer’s prevention identified homocysteine reduction as the best potential option. A recent review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention found that reducing homocysteine levels constitutes one of the top five proven approaches to Alzheimer’s prevention.
Read More: High Dementia Risk Associated With ‘Good Cholesterol,’ Research Says
The Increased Risk of Dementia
Another assessment by the US National Institutes of Health discovered that high homocysteine levels account for around 22% of Alzheimer’s risk, with another 22% attributed to a lack of seafood and omega-3 fish oil consumption. [1] The combination of excessive homocysteine and inadequate omega-3 and vitamin D levels is found in the majority of individuals over 50. According to studies in Holland earlier this year, this combination quadruples the risk of dementia. These combined deficiencies, which are so easily remedied, may have more of an impact on dementia risk than any of the 14 risk factors included in the Lancet Commission’s study.
The Lancet Commission Ignores the Evidence
However, despite receiving all of the evidence, the study’s scientists continue to ignore it. In their place, two significantly less important risk factors have been included: cataracts and cholesterol. The Lancet Commission’s report states that cataract surgery would eliminate 2% of overall dementia risk. This is nothing when one considers that reducing homocysteine could potentially eliminate 25% of all risk. According to Professor Apostolos Tsiachristas, a health economist at Oxford University, this could save the UK economy around £60 million annually.
Questioning the Lancet Commission Researchers
Professor Livingston, the scientist who headed the Lancet Commission study was asked why she denied the benefits of homocysteine reduction. Her reply, which is simply untrue was that “high homocysteine only affects a small number of people and there are no trials that show that lowering it has any benefit.” However, studies in the UK, Norway, Holland, and China have proven otherwise. These studies reported that a synergistic effect between omega-3 and B vitamins was several times more effective than any dementia drug. An Oxford University study found that giving B vitamins with adequate omega-3 fatty acids to patients with moderate cognitive impairment reduced brain shrinkage by two-thirds compared to a placebo. [2]
Read More: What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?
Ignoring Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits on Dementia
One-third of the study’s participants were diagnosed as clinically free of dementia after one year. These significant results were sent to Professor Livingston in 2023 already, yet somehow ignored. They also ignored the studies that showed that individuals benefitted from increased intake of omega-3 by consuming supplements or fish. In fact, it only cited one study regarding the link between omega-3 levels and dementia risk. This study concluded that there was “compelling evidence for a relationship between long-chain omega-3 fatty acids levels and lower risks for dementia and related outcomes.” Yet, this same conclusion had also been reached by at least 8 similar studies.
Disputing the Findings of the Lancet Commission
Based on their list of dementia risk factors, the Lancet Commission was only able to claim 45% preventable risk. However, it would actually be possible to prevent up to 80% of dementia cases if these new factors were taken into account. Homocysteine reduction and B vitamin and omega-3 increase deserve more study. According to data taken from UK Bio Bank, up to 73% of all dementia cases could be prevented. [3] Yet, considering that this study did not include blood test measures, this may actually be an underestimate. Professor Smith from the University of Oxford shared his thoughts in London Daily News. He believes that “This figure could be higher if a person’s omega-3 and B vitamin status were taken into account.”
The Bottom Line on Dementia Risk Factors
High-dose B vitamins and omega-3 fish oils, which help lower homocysteine levels, are proven to reduce dementia risk. However, The Lancet report instead emphasized less impactful factors like cholesterol and cataracts. They continue to ignore the extensive evidence on the role of nutrition. Up to 80% of dementia cases could be eliminated by addressing these factors. Therefore it is vital that The Lancet update its list of dementia risk factors.
Read More: Your ZIP code may determine your dementia diagnosis, study finds
Sources
- “The Origin of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Food for the Brain
- “Omega-3 levels affect whether B vitamins can slow brain’s decline.” University of Oxford. January 18, 2016.
- “Up to 73% of Dementia Cases can be Prevented, According to Study.” Grass Root Health
- “Lancet Dementia Commission Has Ignored the Best Nutrition Prevention Evidence” London Daily News. September 27, 2024
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.