Groundbreaking research on Alzheimer’s disease suggests more than a third of global dementia cases may be preventable by addressing lifestyle factors that impact an individual’s risk.

The combined evidence to date in the Lancet Commission Report shows roughly 35 percent of all cases of dementia are attributable to nine potentially modifiable risk factors.

In early life, education to a maximum of age 15 in early life.

In mid-life, hypertension, obesity and hearing loss.

In later life, depression, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, and low social contact.

Smoking and hypertension are described as risk factors to be eliminated in all life stages.

The findings are presented today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.