Factors Contributing to Dementia and Strategies to Mitigate Them
Dementia, a decrease in mental ability that affects everyday functioning, is a concern for many as it becomes more common with age. While it is true that the most significant risk factor for various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, is increasing age, there are several other factors that contribute to the development of dementia.
One of these factors is genetics. Many forms of dementia have a genetic component, and it often runs in families. Scientists have identified several specific gene mutations linked to certain types of dementia. However, while you cannot change your genetics, you may be able to undergo genetic testing to better understand your risk of dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is another factor to consider. MCI is a stage between typical forgetfulness and dementia, and if you have MCI, it does not always mean you'll develop Alzheimer's. Symptoms of MCI include memory loss greater than expected for your age, memory loss that's significant enough to be noticed and measured, and continued independence because the deficiency is not enough to compromise your ability to care of yourself and conduct regular activities.
Lifestyle choices also play a role in the development of dementia. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, especially physical activity, may delay the process of mental decline and reduce dementia risk. Keeping your mind active is just as important as staying physically active in reducing dementia risk. Engaging in activities that stimulate your brain, such as reading, crafting, completing games and puzzles, or using a computer, can help slow down mental decline.
Certain medical conditions may increase your risk of developing dementia, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, high homocysteine, and high blood pressure. Managing these conditions can reduce your risk of dementia. For example, seeking help from a healthcare professional for alcohol use disorder may reduce the risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) or other dementias in the future.
Social isolation is another risk factor for dementia. Using hearing aids can help manage this risk factor, as age-related hearing loss may contribute to both social isolation and decreased mental activity, increasing the risk of dementia. A long-term study published in 2019 suggests that social contact with others can help protect against dementia.
Inhaling pollutants, especially fine particulate matter, can trigger inflammatory responses that contribute to a decline in thinking ability. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking your local Air Quality Index to find out when outdoor air pollution may be at harmful levels. Increasing international evidence suggests that air pollution may raise the risk of dementia.
While dementia is a concern for many, it is important to remember that not all cases of dementia are preventable. Certain medical conditions that can lead to dementia, such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Down syndrome, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Frontotemporal dementia, have not much you can do to change the level of risk.
In the United States, about 1 in 9 people ages 65 and older have Alzheimer's. The risk of dementia doubles every 5 years after age 65. In 2024, Canada had approximately 564,000 confirmed cases of dementia, with around 25,000 new cases diagnosed that year.
Research is ongoing to better understand dementia and find ways to prevent and treat it. A 2024 research review links excessive alcohol consumption to an increased risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a specific type of dementia. While more research is needed, it is clear that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing medical conditions, and staying socially active can help reduce the risk of dementia.
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