Factors that can increase a person's risk of dementia
What's the story
Did you know that there are things that can make you more likely to develop dementia? Some factors, like getting older and having certain genes, we can't change. But there are other factors, like our lifestyle choices and health conditions, that we can do something about. Let's take a closer look at the top five factors that contribute to the development of dementia.
Context
Here's what our expert says
Dementia is a symptom of memory and cognitive decline. It arises due to chronic injury to the brain due to metabolic or physical causes such as uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholic brain injury, use of tobacco, chronic hypertension, or drug abuse. It is also seen in diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease. There is no cure for dementia but treating the underlying cause can improve the symptoms.
Smoking & drinking
Smoking and alcohol abuse
Recent studies have discovered that smokers have a much higher risk of memory decline and dementia. Smoking increases the chances of developing artery-clogging conditions, like atherosclerosis, which can lead to dementia. Alcohol abuse raises the risk of dementia. Studies, according to Stanford Healthcare, have suggested that people who drink moderately have a lower risk of dementia than teetotalers and those who drink heavily.
Cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol
Having high levels of "bad" cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can greatly raise your chances of developing vascular dementia. It is not only a problem for the heart, but also for the brain. Moreover, studies suggest that high cholesterol may also contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Try including these five foods in your diet to lower cholesterol in your body.
Diabetes
Being diabetic
Did you know that if you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia? It also raises the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke, which contribute to vascular dementia. So, it is important to manage your diabetes not only to control your blood sugar but also to lower the risk of these types of dementia.
BP
Having consistently high blood pressure
Having high blood pressure in middle age can impact your brain health as you grow older. Many studies have found that having consistently high blood pressure during this time can significantly raise the risk of developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia. This is because high blood pressure affects our heart, arteries, and blood flow. Want to control high blood pressure? Do these exercises regularly.
Physical inactivity
Being physically inactive and having a poor diet
As we age, being physically inactive puts us at a higher risk of developing dementia, among several other diseases. In addition to that, eating an unhealthy diet with lots of saturated fat, sugar, and salt increases the chances of various illnesses, including dementia and heart disease. So, it is important to exercise and choose healthy foods to protect our brain and overall health.