Risk factors:
No one knows for sure why dementia develops, but it seems to be due to the interaction of a complex number of factors. There are only two scientifically proven risk factors:
- Age – Dementia is relatively uncommon before 60. After the age of 65, prevalence rates double every 5 years (Bamford, 2011).
- Genetics – Certain types of the gene apolipoprotein E (APOE) put people at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but it is not a certainty. This gene is likely to be a factor in an estimated 20-25% of cases (ALZ, 2014).
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
the following are indicated as risk factors for dementia: Age, Alcohol Use (& Substance abuse), Anoxia & Hypoxia, Atherosclerosis (thickening of vessel walls - cholesterol) Diabetes, Depression Down Syndrome (Gene 21), Genetics, Hypertension, Infectious Disease, Poisoning, Psychiatric Illness(es) Smoking |
Protective Factors:
Potential Protective Factors:
From PBS: "Researchers See Decline in Dementia, Offering Optimism for Power of Lifestyle (~ 7 mins)" -- http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health-july-dec13-dementia_07-17/ Also from PBS:
Protect your Memory with Dr. Neal Barnard |