What increases my risk for dementia?
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There are several factors that may increase your risk for dementia. Some of them can be controlled, but others like age and family history cannot. Your risk for dementia increases as you get older, but you are also more likely to develop a form of the condition if someone else in your family has it. Other risk factors include drinking too much alcohol; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; high levels of estrogen; smoking; diabetes; and depression. Luckily, all of these factors can be controlled and doing so will decrease your chances of developing dementia.
There are several factors that may increase your risk for dementia. Some of them can be controlled, but others like age and family history cannot. Your risk for dementia increases as you get older, but you are also more likely to develop a form of... More -
Dr. Audrey Chun of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:The risk factors for dementia that are known to be associated with cognitive impairment include infections and medications, depression and alcohol abuse. And, unfortunately, two uncontrollable risk factors of dementia -- old age and family history -- are among the leading contributors to this potentially devastating condition.The risk factors for dementia that are known to be associated with cognitive impairment include infections and medications, depression and alcohol abuse. And, unfortunately, two uncontrollable risk factors of dementia -- old age and family... More -
Healthwise answered:Aging is the main risk factor for all types of dementia. Some diseases that cause dementia (such as early-onset Alzheimer's disease and some frontotemporal dementias) may run in families.
You have a greater chance of developing vascular dementia if you:
- Are male.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have had a heart attack.
- Have atherosclerosis, a buildup of fat and calcium in the arteries, which can lead to coronary artery disease.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high cholesterol.
- Have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Aging is the main risk factor for all types of dementia. Some diseases that cause dementia (such as early-onset Alzheimer's disease and some frontotemporal dementias) may run in families. You have a greater chance of developing vascular dementia... More -
Dr. Mandip Dhamoon of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. The risk for dementia also can be inherited, and a first-degree relative with dementia can have up to a 30% chance of developing dementia. Also, risk factors for vascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking, have been associated with increased risk of dementia. Lifestyle factors such as education and extent of physical and mental activity have also been associated with dementia, with less education and less activity being associated with higher risk.
Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia. The risk for dementia also can be inherited, and a first-degree relative with dementia can have up to a 30% chance of developing dementia. Also, risk factors for vascular disease, such as high... More
