Fact 6: Lifestyle Factors Can Influence Dementia Risk
While certain risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, are beyond our control, others, particularly related to lifestyle, can be modified. This knowledge opens up possibilities for dementia prevention and risk reduction, even if they can’t completely eliminate the risk.
Research indicates that certain lifestyle habits are linked to a higher risk of dementia. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. For example, smoking damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of vascular dementia. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, boosts heart health and may delay cognitive decline, thereby potentially reducing dementia risk.
Moreover, conditions like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol in midlife have also been associated with an increased risk of dementia in later life. These conditions often result from unhealthy lifestyle choices, further underscoring the potential influence of lifestyle modifications on dementia risk. (6)
