Dementia Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Dementia

• There are two types of risk factors for dementia: non-modifiable (age, gender, and genetics) and modifiable (lifestyle and behavior changes)

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: 65+ is the biggest recognized risk factor for dementia
• Gender: Women have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than men, possibly due to longer lifespan, fluctuating estrogen levels, and health disorders
• Genetics: A risk factor that cannot be changed

Modifiable Risk Factors

Physical Health

• High Blood Pressure (HTN): Increases the risk of developing dementia, specifically vascular dementia, due to its effects on the heart, arteries, and blood circulation
• High Blood Glucose (DM): Affects heart health, which is related to brain health, and increases the risk of developing dementia
• Heart Disease: Related to stroke, which can lead to dementia
• Obesity in Mid-Life: Increases the risk of developing dementia and raises the possibility of acquiring additional risk factors like DM2
• Smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing dementia
• Excessive Drinking: Consuming more than 12 drinks/week increases the risk of developing dementia

Lifestyle and Behavior

• Being Sedentary: Increases the risk of developing dementia
• Social Isolation: May increase the risk of dementia, while staying socially engaged may slow the progression of the disease
• Depression: 90% higher chance of developing dementia compared to individuals without the risk factor

Diet and Nutrition

• Poor Diet: An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt increases the chance of acquiring dementia and cardiovascular disease

Traumatic Brain Injury

• Severe or Recurrent Head Traumas: Increases the risk of developing dementia, possibly due to brain damage initiating a process that might eventually lead to dementia
• Falls: The biggest cause of brain injuries, especially dangerous for adults

Risk Factors for Dementia

• There are two types of risk factors for dementia: non-modifiable (age, gender, and genetics) and modifiable (lifestyle and behavior changes)

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: 65+ is the biggest recognized risk factor for dementia
• Gender: Women have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than men, possibly due to longer lifespan, fluctuating estrogen levels, and health disorders
• Genetics: A risk factor that cannot be changed

Modifiable Risk Factors

Physical Health

• High Blood Pressure (HTN): Increases the risk of developing dementia, specifically vascular dementia, due to its effects on the heart, arteries, and blood circulation
• High Blood Glucose (DM): Affects heart health, which is related to brain health, and increases the risk of developing dementia
• Heart Disease: Related to stroke, which can lead to dementia
• Obesity in Mid-Life: Increases the risk of developing dementia and raises the possibility of acquiring additional risk factors like DM2
• Smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing dementia
• Excessive Drinking: Consuming more than 12 drinks/week increases the risk of developing dementia

Lifestyle and Behavior

• Being Sedentary: Increases the risk of developing dementia
• Social Isolation: May increase the risk of dementia, while staying socially engaged may slow the progression of the disease
• Depression: 90% higher chance of developing dementia compared to individuals without the risk factor

Diet and Nutrition

• Poor Diet: An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt increases the chance of acquiring dementia and cardiovascular disease

Traumatic Brain Injury

• Severe or Recurrent Head Traumas: Increases the risk of developing dementia, possibly due to brain damage initiating a process that might eventually lead to dementia
• Falls: The biggest cause of brain injuries, especially dangerous for adults