Is dementia preventable through lifestyle?

There’s no certain way to prevent all types of dementia, as researchers are still investigating how the condition develops. However, there’s good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia when you’re older.

Is dementia inevitable with age?

Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing. Further, dementia does not exclusively affect older people – young onset dementia (defined as the onset of symptoms before the age of 65 years) accounts for up to 9\% of cases.

Will everyone get dementia if they live long enough?

For example, ageing is a risk factor for dementia. This means a person who is aged over 75 is more likely to develop dementia than someone who is under 75. Some risk factors for dementia cannot be reduced or avoided but many others can – especially with the right support.

Why do we get dementia?

Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Depending on the area of the brain that’s damaged, dementia can affect people differently and cause different symptoms.

Who is most at risk for dementia?

The risk rises as you age, especially after age 65. However, dementia isn’t a normal part of aging, and dementia can occur in younger people. Family history. Having a family history of dementia puts you at greater risk of developing the condition.

What are the biggest risk factors for dementia?

Risk Factors for Dementia

• Age. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and several other dementias goes up significantly with advancing age.
• Genetics/family history.
• Smoking and alcohol use.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Cholesterol.
• Plasma homocysteine.
• Diabetes.
• Mild cognitive impairment.