Several risk factors contribute to dementia. Further than what you would expect, several risk factors are associated with dementia. Articles by Stanford Medicine spell these risk factors out. Let’s take a look at some risk factors that have an impact.
Age
The older you get the more likely you are to experience dementia. This goes without saying. People of advancing age are much more likely to have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which makes life more of a challenge. This does not doom older people from experiencing dementia, but age plays a role.
Genetics / Family History
There is a correlation with family history, but not everyone who have families with the disease will get it. Certain genes can cause dementia, including those with Down Syndrome may develop it by middle age. Abnormal genes can cause Huntington’s Disease and other types of dementia. Family history may have an impact, but not necessarily.
Smoking and alcohol use
Smoking can cause atherosclerosis, which is linked with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Drinking heavily can is associated with an increased likelihood of dementia, studies have shown. Moderate drinking, or not drinking at all, has no appreciable impact on dementia.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is deposits of fatty materials, cholesterol, or other substances (plaques) on the linings of blood vessels. These can lead to a loss of blood to the brain, which can lead to strokes and dementia, and have a tremendous impact on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Cholesterol
High levels of low-density (bad) cholesterol appear to contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease and vascular dementia.
Diabetes
Diabetes has a known impact on vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Control your diabetes and lessen your chances of dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment
While not a cause of dementia all of the time, people with mild cognitive impairment are significantly more likely to suffer dementia than the rest of the population. Studies have shown that “…approximately 40 percent of people over age 65 who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment developed dementia within three years.”
Conclusion
There are several risk factors that are under your control. Other than age, hereditary, and mild cognitive impairment, all other issues can be dealt through lifestyle changes. Working on your cholesterol, limiting your smoking and drinking, and managing your diabetes, may limit your exposure to dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Jeff Reynolds
Principal, Reynolds Consulting LLC