Professor Kang Seong-hoon’s research team from the Department of Neurology at Korea University Guro Hospital announced on the 29th that as a result of 12 years of follow-up of more than 330,000 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, depression, lack of exercise, low body weight, and diabetes were identified as major risk factors for progression to Alzheimer’s dementia.
The research team (Professors Sung-Hoon Kang and Gyeong-Mi Oh, Research Professor Min-Woong Kang of the Cancer Research Institute, and Professor Gyeong-Won Baek of Anam Hospital) followed 336,313 adults aged 40 or older who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment between 2009 and 2015 for up to 12 years (average 6.7 years) based on data from the National Health Insurance Service. A large-scale cohort study was conducted that comprehensively analyzed various factors such as health status, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, income level, and residence.
The dementia conversion rate increased rapidly after the age of 70, and patients with depression had a 1.7 times higher risk of developing dementia than patients without depression. Those who rarely exercise were 1.2 times higher, those who were underweight were 1.3 times higher, and those with diabetes were 1.37 times higher. On the other hand, regular physical activity, maintaining an appropriate weight, light drinking, living in a city, and high income level were analyzed as protective factors that lower the risk of dementia.
Among cardiovascular diseases, coronary artery disease and hemorrhagic stroke increased the risk, but hypertension or ischemic stroke were not significantly associated with dementia progression. This simply means that blood sugar control and mental health management play a more important role in preserving cognitive function than blood pressure.
This study is a world-class study that analyzed a very large cohort of 330,000 people, which can represent the entire population of Korea, for 12 years. It is significant in that, unlike existing dementia research that focuses on Westerners, the results reflect the lifestyle habits and health characteristics of Koreans. Through this study, the research team scientifically proved that dementia is not simply a disease caused by age, but a disease that can be sufficiently delayed through lifestyle habits and mental health management.
The research team especially emphasized the importance of managing ‘modifiable factors’ to slow the progression of dementia. It is necessary to practice regular aerobic and strength training for at least 150 minutes a week, maintain a Mediterranean diet centered on vegetables, fish, and nuts, and maintain balanced weight management to avoid both underweight and obesity. In particular, thorough management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, treatment of depression and stress relief, and securing sufficient sleep of 7 to 8 hours a day are also essential. Reducing social isolation, interacting with family and friends, and consistently engaging in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, or doing puzzles are also effective in preventing dementia.
Professor Seong-Hoon Kang said, “This study clearly shows what factors must be managed to slow down the progression of dementia and reduce the risk of developing it. It is significant in that the decline in cognitive function can be alleviated just by regular exercise, controlling weight and blood sugar, and maintaining mental health.” He added, “Although drug treatment is important, it must be done together with improving lifestyle habits and managing chronic diseases. We will continue to contribute to improving the people’s brain health through prevention-oriented research based on scientific evidence.”
The results of this study were published in Scientific Reports (IF 4.6), a sister journal of Nature in the UK and a world-class SCI-level international academic journal. This study was conducted with support from Korea University Guro Hospital and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
Reporter Song Hye-young hybrid@etnews.com
