Key Dementia Risk Factors To Be Aware Of

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of symptoms associated with cognitive decline. It affects millions of people around the world each year, usually impacting cognitive abilities such as memory, judgment, movement, and social and communication skills. By learning about key risk factors associated with dementia, you may be able to take preventative measures to reduce your likelihood of developing it. First, we’ll get familiar with a few of the most common types of dementia. Then we’ll discuss risk factors, strategies for reducing risk factors, and the potential benefits of early detection.

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What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term for cognitive impairment and decline often caused by certain medical conditions. Some of these include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Each type of dementia impacts the brain in a different way, causing symptoms like the loss of memory and reasoning skills, the inability to perform certain motor movements, and others. 

Dementia is progressive and terminal, which means that symptoms typically become more severe over time and will eventually lead to death in most cases. As the condition progresses, people may have difficulty performing basic everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, dressing, and grooming. Eventually, they’ll need round-the-clock care. The difficulty and seriousness of dementia is why understanding and reducing risk factors can be so important.

Common types of dementia

There are several different types of dementia, each with somewhat different symptoms and risk factors. A few types to be aware of include:

• Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It’s usually marked by memory loss, confusion, and disruptions in mood and behavior.
• Lewy body dementia. This type of dementia occurs because of a buildup of protein deposits in the brain, known as Lewy bodies. These deposits affect nerve cells in the brain, which in turn impact thinking, memory, and movement.
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Often caused by a restriction in blood flow to the brain, FTD is a less common form of dementia. Since this condition impacts the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, diagnosed individuals may act inappropriately in social settings and have difficulty forming words, among other potential symptoms.
• Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). PDD eventually occurs in around 80% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Movement challenges are usually one of the first symptoms of the decline in cognitive function in those with PDD, often accompanied by tremors or involuntary movements. 
• Early-onset dementia. This type of dementia occurs before the age of 65. It can be caused by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, problems with blood flow to the brain due to traumatic injury or a medical condition, or chronic overuse of alcohol. This type of dementia is less common.
• Mixed dementia. This term refers to a situation in which a person has multiple causes of dementia. It’s more common in individuals over 75, and symptoms may progress more quickly than in other types.

Key risk factors for developing dementia

Certain risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing dementia. For risk factors that are not within a person’s control, such as age and genetics, being aware of them can empower you to seek medical support if you start to notice symptoms. For those that are within a person’s control, such as lifestyle, making positive changes may help reduce your risk of developing certain types of dementia. Some common dementia risk factors include the following.

Age

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. The likelihood of developing dementia increases considerably after the age of 65, although it can develop in younger individuals in rare cases. Becoming familiar with early symptoms of different types of dementia can help you look out for them as you age so you can seek immediate evaluation and treatment if you notice any.

Genetic predisposition and family history

Your family history can influence your chances of being diagnosed with dementia, but how much depends on the type of dementia. For example, research suggests that having a first-degree relative with dementia increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. In contrast, most cases of Lewy body dementia are not inherited, as it’s rare that more than a single biological family member develops the disease. Again, learning about your family’s history with dementia if possible may help you be on the lookout for symptoms if they arise.

Lifestyle

Maintaining healthy habits can have a variety of potential benefits for your physical and mental well-being, and it may also reduce your risk of dementia. 

Medical conditions and injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be a risk factor for dementia—even years after the injury occurred. This is especially true for early-onset dementia. Repeated concussions can disrupt brain function in other ways too, potentially impacting memory, learning, coordination, and vision or hearing. Also, when blood flow to the brain is limited, it can damage the brain tissue, potentially leading to vascular dementia. That’s why a stroke, hemorrhage, or other incident that reduces the flow of blood to your brain can increase the risk of vascular dementia.

Taking safety precautions—including wearing the proper gear, such as helmets—when engaging in sports or dangerous activities can be important for preventing TBIs. To reduce your risk of strokes and, therefore, vascular dementia, you might engage in healthy habits like eating nutrient-dense foods often, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.

Cardiovascular health conditions

Cardiovascular risk factors include having high blood pressure or high cholesterol or being obese. Research suggests that all major cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Cerebrovascular diseases can also increase your likelihood of vascular dementia, since they can impact blood flow to the brain. Talk to your doctor about long-term management strategies for chronic conditions and to get advice on healthy habits that may reduce your risk of dementia caused by cardiovascular health conditions.

The importance of early detection of dementia

Being aware of the early warning signs of dementia and your risk factors for developing dementia can help you seek medical treatment right away if you notice any. Early detection and intervention can have a few potential benefits for individuals with dementia. 

First, research suggests that it may help an individual sustain their cognitive capacity for longer, since their doctor may be able to recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to slow the disease’s progression. Early detection can also allow individuals and their families to take proactive steps to address challenges, plan for the future, and optimize care arrangements, which may ultimately promote better outcomes and greater well-being for all involved. It can also give a diagnosed individual more time to approach their condition with compassion and acceptance. 

Experiencing health anxiety related to dementia?

Learn coping mechanisms in therapy

Coping with health anxiety

The first recommended course of action if you’re concerned about your chances of developing dementia is to meet with a doctor. They can evaluate your risk factors and give you advice on healthy habits to reduce your risk. If you’re still experiencing anxiety related to your health, you might also find it helpful to meet with a therapist. They can offer you a safe space to process your feelings and help you learn healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety and difficult emotions.

Since research suggests that online and in-person therapy can offer comparable outcomes in many cases, you can generally choose whichever format is most convenient for you. If you have a busy schedule or a lack of providers in your area, you might find it easier to attend therapy online. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from anywhere you have an internet connection.