Dementia risk factors

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 03/03/2010 - 8:35pm

Dementia is the 4th leading cause of death in ageing Australians over 65 (Alzheimer’s Australia 2008). One of the major risk factors for dementia is increasing age.

Dementia is thought to be related to a number of genetic, environmental and physical factors.

Many people with a family member with dementia worry they will get dementia too. Genetics can increase your risk of dementia but it's important to remember that a combination of factors are usually at play.

Genetics play a larger role in the development of certain types of dementia including Early- onset Alzheimer's disease, dementia associated with Huntington's disease and Fronto-temporal dementia.

Risk factors for dementia include:

Increasing age
Family history
Smoking
Head injury
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Lack of physical activity and poor diet
Excessive alcohol intake

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. Risk factors for vascular dementia include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart rhythm problems.

Research suggests that you can reduce your risk of dementia by adopting healthy living practices. Eating a nutritious diet, not smoking and being physically and mentally active can help keep the brain healthy and reduce your risk of developing dementia.

People who have sustained a severe or repetitive head injury are also at greater risk of developing dementia.

Early signs and symptoms of dementia