Things That Raise Your Chances of Dementia

Age

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. About a third of people 85 and older show signs of the disease. The genes you get from your parents play a part at this age, but so do things like diet, exercise, your social life, and other illnesses. Dementia isn't a normal part of getting older.

Heart Disease

It could lead to a heart attack or stroke, which makes dementia more likely. Heart disease is usually caused by plaque buildup in arteries around your heart (atherosclerosis). That can slow blood flow to your brain and put you at risk for stroke, making it harder to think well or remember things. And many things that cause heart disease -- to-bacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol -- also can lead to dementia.

Air Pollution

An English study found older adults who lived in areas with the high-est yearly concentration of air pollution were 1.4 times more likely to get dementia than people who lived in places with cleaner air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (micro-particles in the air you might not see but can inhale) caused the most harm.

Diabetes

Doctors aren’t sure exactly why people with diabetes get dementia more often. But they do know that people with diabetes are more likely to have damaged blood vessels. This can slow or block blood flow to the brain and damage areas of the brain, leading to what’s called vascular dementia. Some people may be able to slow brain decline if they keep diabetes under control with medicine, exercise, and a healthy diet.

Poor Sense of Smell

Older people who have trouble identifying odors are more than twice as likely to have dementia as those with a sharp sense of smell. Al-most half of people in an American study who’d been diagnosed with dementia had had olfactory dysfunction 5 years before. A simple smell test can flag a need for early treatment.

Understanding the factors that increase the risk of dementia can be empowering. While age and genetic predispositions are beyond our control, there are steps we can take to mitigate other risks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—focusing on heart health, managing diabetes, avoiding high pollution areas when possible, and even paying attention to changes in the sense of smell—can help reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. 

You have the power to influence your brain health starting today. Em-brace heart-healthy habits, stay physically active, and monitor your health regularly. If you or a loved one notice any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider about testing and preventive measures. Take proactive steps now to support a healthier future!