What Raises – and Lowers

From pollution to coffee, there are a number of factors believed that raise – or reduce – a person’s risk of developing dementia. Now scientists have developed a chart to show which are the most important steps to take.

The scientists, Dr. Ruth Peters, a UK neuropsychologist, and Kaarin J. Anstey, an Australian expert on aging, evaluated the latest information from clinical trials and studies on dementia to come up with a chart to show the different risks.

They particularly focused on the factors that are in our power to change -- such as weight, blood pressure and alcohol intake.

The findings from the latest research shows that eating a large amount of fatty foods and living in a polluted area may increase dementia risk, whereas taking regular exercise and keeping cholesterol at healthy levels may lower risk, they say.

"The evidence is increasingly suggesting that keeping a healthy blood circulation throughout the body is crucial for lowering dementia risk - in other words, what is good for your heart is good for your brain,” Peters says.

Factors that raise dementia risk:

Excess alcohol
Poor diet
Smoking
Unhealthy weight
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Stroke
Air pollution

Factors that lower your risk:

Regular physical activity
Moderate amounts of caffeine
Social engagement
Brain training.

What Raises – and Lowers – Dementia Risk