Besides the inspiring new drugs entering the market to clear the brain of the proteins that cause Alzheimer’s Disease, the focus in combatting dementia has been in identifying the risk factors that increase a person’s chances of developing it. Identifying and eliminating modifiable risk factors has become a priority because of the theory that doing so could prevent 40% of dementia cases.
A recent study has shown that protecting your heart may also protect you against developing dementia. In a retrospective study that reviewed data collected over 70 years, researchers found that the greatest risk factors for developing dementia have been high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, lower education and smoking https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20240628/cardiovascular-health-becoming-major-risk-factor-for-dementia).
Interestingly, the risk associated with these factors has changed over the years. Because of public interventions such as campaigns against smoking and mandatory public education, smoking and education have become less important risk factors. However, as the rates of obesity and diabetes, known risks for cardiovascular disease, have increased over the years, so has the importance of these risk factors. The greatest risk factor for developing dementia remains high blood pressure, despite ongoing efforts by the medical community and public health to stress the importance of managing it.
The BeCare Neuro App can help you monitor your cognitive health for any decline and prompt you to seek evaluation and potentially life-saving treatments if you need them.