15 Dementia Risk Factors

More than 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia. It is the seventh leading cause of death and "one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally," according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Is Dementia a Normal Part of Aging?

"Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term used for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with doing everyday activities," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging."

Like a car, after years of use, our bodies get worn down and develop issues. As we age, we see gray hair, wrinkles, and age spots; our bodies are less able to store fluid, so our spinal discs shrink and lose elasticity; our ability to smell and taste can decline; and it takes longer for signals to travel along our nerves, so our brains can't process information as well as it could when we were younger, making it harder to remember new things and react quickly.

Occasionally, forgetting things is normal; however, forgetfulness caused by dementia is more severe than normal, age-related forgetfulness. "About 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory impairment—in the United States, about 16 million people," according to the National Library of Medicine. "Only about 1% of them will progress to dementia each year."

Dementia Risk Factors

Some dementia risk factors are within your control, and some are not. Remember that risk factors don't necessarily cause a condition, but they represent an increased chance that you will develop the condition.

Therefore, just because you have one or more of the following risks doesn't mean you will develop dementia, and a lack of these risks doesn't guarantee that you will not develop dementia. However, minimizing the risk factors can decrease the possibility of developing dementia, so here are fifteen dementia risk factors researchers have discovered.

1. Heart Health – "There is increasing evidence connecting cardiovascular risk factors with brain health," according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
2. Head Injury – Severe or repeated head injuries may increase your risk of dementia.
3. Lack of Physical Activity – According to the Alzheimer's Society, "Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, regular physical exercise appears to be one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia."
4. Unhealthy Diet – A diet high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and other health issues.
5. Smoking – "It is known that smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, including strokes or smaller bleeds in the brain, which are also risk factors for dementia," according to the Alzheimer's Society. "In addition, toxins in cigarette smoke cause inflammation and stress to cells, which have both been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease."
6. Diabetes – According to Harvard Medical School, studies show that diabetes can increase your risk of developing dementia.
7. Obesity – A recent study found that obesity is associated with a higher risk for dementia.
8. Alcohol – Excessive drinking has been shown to increase your risk of dementia.
9. Depression - The link between depression and dementia is complicated. However, research has shown a relationship, that depression and dementia share common causes, and that depression may be an early sign of dementia.
10. Hearing Loss – Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, problems with everyday tasks, and cognitive decline.
11. Social Isolation – Isolation can cause several health risks, such as hypertension, depression, and dementia. Being socially active may reduce the risk of dementia and help slow down the progression of dementia.
12. Genetics – According to the National Institute on Aging, researchers have found several genes that may increase or decrease your risk of developing dementia. 
13. High Blood Pressure – Studies show that "high blood pressure in mid-life is a key factor that can increase your risk of developing dementia in later life, particularly vascular dementia."
14. Age – As we said, dementia is not a normal part of aging; however, age is the greatest known risk factor for dementia.
15. Gender – Almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer's are women, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Many believe the reason is that women have a longer life expectancy.

Compassionate Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

If a loved one has developed Alzheimer's or dementia, Comforting Home Care by Phoebe offers compassionate in-home dementia and Alzheimer's care designed to provide your loved one with the assistance they need to live comfortably and safely at home.

Call us today at 610-625-5206 to learn more about our in-home care services, or connect with us online.