The strongest predictors of dementia are age, genetics, and cardiovascular health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes, but significant lifestyle factors like smoking, inactivity, poor diet, and social/cognitive isolation also play major roles, with up to 40% of cases potentially preventable by addressing these modifiable risks. Hearing loss, depression, obesity, and air pollution are also key contributors, highlighting that a combination of biological and lifestyle factors drives dementia risk.
Age. The biggest risk factor for dementia is ageing. This means as a person gets older, their risk of developing dementia increases a lot. For people aged between 65 and 69, around 2 in every 100 people have dementia.
Vitamin D supplements are linked to a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a major study showing users had a 40% lower incidence of developing dementia compared to non-users, particularly benefiting older adults, with even greater effects seen in women and those without existing cognitive issues. This reduction highlights Vitamin D's role in brain health, possibly by clearing amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's.
The number one cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, responsible for 60-80% of cases, characterized by brain plaques (beta-amyloid protein) and tangles (tau protein) that damage nerve cells, leading to progressive memory and cognitive decline, though vascular dementia from blood vessel damage is also a significant factor.
Our infographic showing 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which includes:
The cause of roughly 70% of all dementia cases is Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, leading to memory loss and impaired thinking that interferes with daily life, making it the most common form of dementia.
Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
The "2-finger test" for dementia involves an examiner showing a hand gesture (like interlocking index and middle fingers) and asking the patient to copy it, testing motor skills, visual memory, and coordination, as difficulties can signal early cognitive decline, but it's a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis, prompting further medical evaluation. Other related tests include finger-tapping and finger-to-nose, looking for hesitation or misjudgment in movement.
But Romano says it's a leap to say that skipping breakfast actually causes dementia. “Alzheimer's disease is a complex brain illness,” he says. “Although the study found these correlations between skipping breakfast and dementia, skipping breakfast might be an indicator of other health habits or life circumstances.”
Whereas a separate study of 13,984 adults over age 65 revealed that those who had social support such as friends, family and community groups were 46% less likely to develop dementia than those more isolated.
You Miss Out on Sleep
You do a few things you know you shouldn't -- we all do. But some of those bad habits can take a toll on your brain. For example, lack of sleep may be a cause of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It's best to have regular sleeping hours.
The vitamins that support overall brain wellness include B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, as well as vitamin D and vitamin E. These nutrients contribute to cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Donanemab, like lecanemab, is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. Antibodies form part of our immune system and bind to harmful proteins to destroy them. Donanemab contains antibodies that bind to a protein called amyloid, which builds up in the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Background. Previous studies have shown that an intellectually stimulating lifestyle is associated with a lower risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). It is unclear so far whether higher intelligence may protect against this.
other long-term health problems – dementia tends to progress more quickly if the person is living with other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, particularly if these are not well-managed.
Short sleep duration (<7 h) is linked to higher dementia risk in adults aged <70 years, but lower risk in those ≥70 years. Abnormal sleep duration may be a prodrome rather than a risk factor for dementia and AD in older adults.
Remember the 90-second rule? Give patient's at least 90 seconds to process what you are asking and allow them to react. If you keep asking your patients to complete a task without letting them process it, your request often gets lost in translation.
Proteins sourced from eggs are preferable as they contain choline, which boosts brain function. This makes eggs an ideal choice for breakfast as they are both nutritious (egg yolks) and quick to prepare. Eggs also have Choline which improves brain function.
Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include: memory problems, particularly remembering recent events. increasing confusion.
1. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables. Studies have found that foods with higher levels of carotenoids – the pigments that give fruits and veggies their orange and red color – are associated with better brain health and a lower risk of dementia.
The SAGE test is a short, self-administered evaluation that screens for early signs of memory or thinking problems like dementia. You take it on your own, at home or at your provider's office. It's simple and there's no studying needed. It can catch issues early.
Vitamin D supplements are linked to a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a major study showing users had a 40% lower incidence of developing dementia compared to non-users, particularly benefiting older adults, with even greater effects seen in women and those without existing cognitive issues. This reduction highlights Vitamin D's role in brain health, possibly by clearing amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's.
The researchers found dementia risk decreased with higher amounts of physical activity. Dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity/week category; 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes/week category; and 69% lower in the 140 and over minutes/week category.
The Lumipulse test uses a blood sample drawn at the doctor's office. The test measures certain proteins, including a specific form of the tau protein, that can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain.