Lifestyle habits and medical management can reduce dementia risk

Research suggests that approximately 40% to 45% of dementia risks are linked to controllable lifestyle habits and environmental factors. Maintaining cardiovascular health is critical, as heart health directly impacts the brain’s blood supply. Key risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Neurologist Dr. Faye Begeti notes that chronic stress can significantly impact memory centers such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, sometimes mimicking dementia symptoms. Additionally, sleep serves as a vital maintenance period for the brain to flush out toxic proteins.

Preventative measures include: • Staying physically active through walking, cycling, or swimming. • Managing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. • Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight. • Prioritizing quality sleep and social connections. • Utilizing vaccines, such as the shingles vaccine, which research indicates may lower dementia cases by 20% over a seven-year period.