21
May 2025
Is Dementia Preventable?
Exploring risk factors for Dementia: what you can do now to protect your brain
It’s true that getting older naturally increases our risk for cognitive decline, but the good news is that we’re learning more about factors we can influence to potentially reduce that risk. So, what can we do to help protect our brains as we age?
The growing concern of Dementia prevalence
The global prevalence of dementia is expected to triple over the next 20-30 years. This rapid increase in cases, particularly as the world’s population ages, is concerning. Dr. Christina Chen – host of the Mayo Clinic’s podcast “Aging Forward” – advises that the best way to do this is by staying informed and proactive about how to protect our cognitive health.
Risk factors you can’t change and what you can do about them
One thing we know for sure: age is a major risk factor for dementia, and unfortunately, it’s beyond our control. However, understanding and addressing potentially modifiable risk factors offers us a sense of hope and empowerment. There are steps we can take today to reduce our risk, and they can make a real difference in our brain health down the line.
Dr. Tung, geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic, suggests that we think about risk factors across three life stages: early life, midlife, and later life. Each stage presents different opportunities for intervention.
Building the foundation for brain health
Developing an understanding and appreciation in childhood for keeping the body active is key. Regular physical activity not only benefits overall health but also help establish a foundation that will support brain health throughout life. Additionally, avoiding head trauma is crucial. Simple precautions like wearing helmets while riding bikes or limiting participation in contact sports can prevent injury to the brain which can have long-term consequences.
Midlife is a crucial period for preventing Dementia
Throughout our 30s, 40s, and 50s, the focus shifts to managing vascular risk factors – conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These factors are powerful contributors to dementia, and addressing them through diet, exercise, and medication can significantly reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline in the future. Further to this, there is a known link between smoking and dementia, evidencing that quitting is one of the most impactful changes you can make to protect your brain.
A newer finding in dementia research has been discovered to be hearing impairment. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss puts additional strain on the brain, making it harder to process and store new information. Therefore, identifying and treating hearing loss early could potentially reduce the risk of dementia. This is because our brains rely heavily on sensory input, and when we lose our ability to hear, the brain must work harder which can contribute to cognitive decline over time.
Continuing to stay active and engaged in later life
Staying mentally and physically active remains crucial. Exercise plays a particularly vital role in preserving brain function. Whether it’s aerobic exercise like running or cycling, or lower-impact activities like yoga, staying active has numerous benefits for brain plasticity. Simply put, there is no downside to exercise; it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our brain health.
Proactive steps for brain health
While understanding risk factors and staying active are fundamental, there are also other prevention strategies to explore with your healthcare provider. And as new research continues to emerge, more potential interventions are likely to be discovered.
Ultimately, by understanding the risk factors for dementia and taking proactive steps today, we can delay the onset of cognitive decline.
It’s not about waiting for symptoms to appear later in later life; it’s about taking action today and every day to ensure a healthier future.
Stay tuned throughout Dementia Action Week for more informative blogs on how we can all make a difference.
Or take a read of our blogs from 2024’s Dementia Action Week below!
Dementia: Selling a Property and Court of Protection Involvement
Where Can I Get Support from When Living with or Caring for Someone with Dementia?
Dementia: Knowing You’re Going to Lose Them Twice
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