Scientists are identifying more and more dangers that promote dementia. What risk factors to look out for.
As more and more people develop dementia in old age, many people fear that they will later suffer from the neurological disease. Once the disease has broken out, it cannot be reversed or cured. Only a delay in the course is possible. However, there are various risk factors that favor dementia. You can prevent it at a young age, for example by following a healthy lifestyle. Researchers have also discovered new factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Researchers discover new risk factors: They increase the risk of dementia
Old age, sex (Women are more likely to be affected by dementia) and genetic factors are known dementia risk factors that cannot be influenced. According to the dementia researcher Miia Kivipelto from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, loud Focus Online “about 30 percent of the risk of Alzheimer’s can be explained by seven risk factors that we can influence to a greater or lesser extent.” These include being overweight, high blood pressure, diabeteslack of exercise, smoking, depressions and little education. In addition, observational studies have identified five new risk factors:
- Regular consumption of heavily sugared beverages: According to the results of a Columbia University study, participants with the highest consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages had a 50 percent increased rate of Alzheimer’s. However, this consumption is more likely to indicate an overall unhealthy lifestyle. This in turn can result in diabetes and obesity. These two are proven risk factors for dementia.
Mental stress in middle age: People who often suffer from fears and worries due to family, professional or financial problems are more likely to develop dementia. However, the stress that arises can be counteracted, for example, with sufficient exercise. One sport is said to protect particularly well against dementia.
- Brief REM sleep: Shortened REM or dream sleep phases can also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. In general, good sleep is an important factor that can protect against dementia.
- life without a partner: According to scientific findings, people who live alone in old age and feel lonely have a higher risk of developing dementia. Couples, on the other hand, are said to live healthier lives than singles and maintain more contacts. Social interactions also play an important role in preventing Alzheimer’s.
- Hemorrhages in small cerebral vessels (Small Vessel Disease): They become visible as lesions in the MRI and can indicate an imminent risk of dementia in hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients, in whom the lesions in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain increase, have a more than sixfold increased risk of cognitive impairment.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.