Dementia is a challenging condition for both the patient and their family. It can rob people of their memories, personality and ability to perform daily tasks.

While scientists have made many strides in understanding dementia, there is still much we don’t know. One thing that is clear, though, is that there is a strong link between dementia and increased risk. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a term used to describe many different conditions that affect cognitive functioning. Memory loss and confusion are often early signs of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of dementia cases. Although dementia most often occurs in seniors, it is not a normal part of the aging process.

What Are the Risk Factors for Dementia?

The causes of dementia are not known and there is not yet a cure. However, researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to the development of dementia. These include:.

Age – the risk of dementia increases as one gets older
Familial history of dementia
Head injury
High blood pressure
Depression
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Drug or alcohol abuse

The Link Between Dementia and Increased Risk

Studies have found that there is a strong link between dementia and increased risk for many other health conditions. These include:.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease and dementia share many of the same risk factors. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

A large study of Swedish men found that those with a history of high blood pressure had a more than 60% higher risk of developing dementia than those without high blood pressure. Additionally, another study found that those with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease who also had cardiovascular disease were up to four times more likely to develop dementia than those without cardiovascular disease.

Stroke

Strokes can contribute to the development of dementia. This is because a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage.

A large Australian study found that people who had experienced any type of stroke were twice as likely to develop dementia as those who had not had a stroke.

Depression

Depression and dementia are also linked. Studies have found that people who experience depression for long periods of time are more likely to develop dementia. Additionally, depression can cause changes in the brain that lead to dementia.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that people who were depressed were more likely to have cognitive decline and develop dementia than those who were not depressed.

Poor Sleep

Research has identified a link between poor sleep quality and increased dementia risk.

A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that older adults with sleep problems were twice as likely to develop dementia as those who slept well. Additionally, another study found that people who slept less than six hours per night were at a higher risk of developing dementia than those who slept seven hours or more.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a risk factor for many health conditions, including dementia. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels in the brain. A large study of U.S.

veterans found that those with diabetes were twice as likely to develop dementia as those without diabetes.

Obesity

Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of dementia. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that people who were obese in midlife had a more than 3-fold increased risk of developing dementia later in life.

Additionally, those who had a high body mass index (BMI) in old age were more likely to have brain changes associated with dementia.

Alcohol Use

Alcohol abuse is a known risk factor for many health conditions, including dementia.

A study conducted in France found that people who had more than 14 drinks per week had a higher risk of developing dementia than those who drank less than 1 drink per week.

What Can You Do?

While there is no known cure for dementia, there are ways to reduce your risk. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Getting plenty of sleep
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking
Limiting alcohol intake

Conclusion

As the population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise. Understanding the link between dementia and increased risk for other health conditions can help us take steps to reduce our risk.

Taking care of your physical health is just one way to protect your cognitive health as you age.