With dementia rates continuing to rise worldwide, experts are keen to stress why early prevention and detection have never been more crucial.
Dr Paul Jenkins, Medical Director of Echelon Health and a leading expert in preventative medicine, wants people to know that proactive intervention can make a significant difference long before symptoms develop.
According to new studies*, while ageing and genetics play a role, approaching half (45%) of dementia cases could be prevented by making key lifestyle changes.
The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Brain Health
Poor lifestyle choices, including physical inactivity, diets high in saturated fats and processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor sleep, can significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline. Managing cardiovascular health, particularly high blood pressure and cholesterol, is equally critical.
Beyond physical health, staying socially and cognitively engaged is essential. Social isolation, often worsened by untreated hearing loss or vision impairment, is now recognised as a major risk factor for dementia. Dr Jenkins recommends maintaining strong social ties, pursuing mentally stimulating activities, and protecting sensory health as key preventative strategies.
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Dementia
However, misconceptions about dementia persist. Many people still believe that nothing can be done to prevent or delay it. In reality, adopting healthier habits, such as managing long-term conditions, exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, improving sleep, avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, protecting hearing and vision, and staying socially connected, can significantly reduce risk.
Another misconception is that there are no simple methods for early detection. Thanks to advancements like the p-tau217 blood test, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can now be detected with over 90% specificity, long before symptoms appear. Echelon Health is one of the few centres in the UK offering this groundbreaking test as part of its comprehensive new Dementia Assessment.
Finally, while Alzheimer’s disease was once seen as irreversible, two newly approved drugs now show promise in reversing some of the amyloid plaque build-up associated with the condition. With over 100 new treatments in development, the future of dementia care is evolving rapidly, particularly for those identified at an early stage.
Recognising the growing importance of early intervention, Echelon Health has launched its state-of-the-art Dementia Assessment.
This new programme combines cutting-edge diagnostic tools with world-leading clinical expertise to offer a full, in-depth evaluation of cognitive health.
Clients undergo comprehensive, advanced blood tests to uncover underlying risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammation, thyroid dysfunction, and vitamin deficiencies.
The blood tests are followed by a detailed 3T MRI brain scan, which is interpreted by a specialist neuroradiologist at Queen Square (National Hospital for Neurology). The scan provides insight into brain structure and early changes.
The assessment also includes a neurocognitive evaluation using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), which is regarded as the gold standard in early dementia detection and has up to 97% sensitivity.
Led by Consultant Neurologist Dr Aijaz Khan, who has over 25 years of expertise in cognitive disorders, the Dementia Assessment ensures each client receives highly personalised care and a full clinical report. Where necessary, clients may also be referred for PET-CT imaging to detect amyloid deposits, offering the earliest possible access to disease-slowing treatments.
The Dementia Assessment is priced at £3,000, with 0% finance plans available to ensure wider accessibility (subject to credit approval).
For more information or to book an appointment, visit Echelon Health Dementia Assessment.
*The 2024 report of the Lancet Commission.
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