Which factors can raise or lower dementia risk?

The NHS defines dementia as a group of symptoms caused by a gradual decline in brain function. This decline affects memory, language, and thinking speed.

While around 65% of dementia risk comes from uncontrollable factors like age and family history, some factors can be reduced.

A Lancet review highlights modifiable risk factors for dementia, but it doesn’t mean dementia is easily preventable or treatable. These factors were linked to the number of people developing dementia.

Modifiable risk factors include:

• Low education levels
• Midlife hearing loss
• Physical inactivity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Depression
• Social isolation

Multiple factors contribute to dementia onset.

Here are changes you can make to potentially prevent dementia:

• Switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, grains, olive oil, and fish. This diet improves cardiovascular health and may help with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension symptoms.
• Meet recommended physical activity levels for adults. Exercise may help manage type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension symptoms.
• Engage in cognitive training, which involves tests and tasks to improve memory, attention, and reasoning.
• Increase social activity. Organize social events like book clubs, teas, or lunches at your local center.
• Quit smoking. This improves cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

A new study supports the Lancet’s findings. Individuals with genetic risk factors for dementia can still reduce their risk by improving cardiovascular health. The study found that dementia-associated common gene variants can double dementia risk, but good cardiovascular health can halve this risk.

“We’ve long known genetics isn’t destiny,” said Dr. Sudha Seshadri, founding director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases. “Healthy lifestyle choices can lower the impact of family history and genetic risk. This applies to both low and high genetic risk of dementia. It’s never too soon or late to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

The researchers found participants with a high genetic risk score were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia than those with a low score. Previous research, like the Lancet study, suggests cardiovascular health affects dementia and Alzheimer’s risk.

In conclusion, adopting a healthy lifestyle can benefit your heart, reduce cancer risk, manage diabetes, prevent stroke, and potentially reduce dementia risk. Changing a few things today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

We understand that a dementia diagnosis can significantly impact the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of both the patient and their family. Therefore, we provide specialized care in the comfort of your home.

For more information about our dementia care service, please contact one of our experts by phone at 0203 008 5210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.