‘Proper eye,teeth care may cut your risk of dementia’

The researchers identified that a range of illnesses,aches and pains that all increase the risk of the condition including arthritis,poor eyesight,broken bones and even badly fitting dentures.

Although on their own,they found,the complaints would only increase the risk very slightly,someone suffering a range of health problems could be twice as likely to get dementia,the Daily Mail reported.

The researchers looked at how eyesight,hearing,arthritis,coughs and colds,dental problems,diabetes and high blood pressure affected a person’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s and related conditions.

They claimed that a normal,healthy person has an 18 per cent chance of getting the disease at some point in their life. But this risk goes up by 3.2 per cent for every illness or complaint that affected them.

The findings,published in the journal Neurology,are further evidence that a healthy lifestyle may help prevent dementia,the researchers said.

“We want to draw attention to the cumulative effects of small deficits,which individually may not be associated with anything,but they can still tote up to give rise to an important risk factor,” said Dr Kenneth Rockwood,professor of medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax,Nova Scotia.

“To the general public,it means that trying to maintain good health for as long as possible,not only do you have good health but lower risk of dementia in late life,” Dr Rockwood added.

Previous research has shown high cholesterol,heart problems,obesity and smoking all increase the risk.

Scientists believe that the condition may be triggered by poor circulation to the brain which causes damage to blood vessels and cells.

But experts say that although some complaints such as arthritis,poor eyesight and hearing were unavoidable,regular trips to the doctor and dentist could help lessen the risk of dementia.

Rebecca Wood,of Alzheimer’s Research UK,said: “This large study has turned up some intriguing and unexpected results,and it will be important to see whether follow-up studies have similar findings. It’s too soon to know for sure whether health problems like these increase our risk of dementia,but it’s certainly sensible advice for us to do what we can to keep in good general health.”