Dementia Risk and Prevention: Understanding the Latest Research

A recent study highlighted both the risk of developing some form of dementia as you age, as well as a range of modifiable factors that contribute to that risk. The researchers discovered that the risk of developing dementia after the age of 55 is 42% in the U.S., which is more than double the percentage noted in earlier studies. They posit that this will translate into approximately one million new cases of dementia each year by 2060. While key contributors to this increase are the aging U.S. population and genetics, the researchers also point to several modifiable risk factors driving higher rates of dementia, including high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet choices, mental health issues, hearing loss, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Other studies have explored additional factors that can increase the risk of developing dementia. These include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Social isolation
• Air pollution

Of all these risk factors, the researchers found that those that were related to cardiovascular health—high blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity—were the larger contributors to dementia risk.

Types of dementia and symptoms

While the most well-known and most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases, there are many different types of dementia:

• Vascular dementia caused by conditions that damage blood vessels in the brain or interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain like stroke, hemorrhage, and narrowing and damage of brain blood vessels, accounting for 5% to 10% of cases
• Lewy body dementia caused by abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain, accounting for approximately 4% to 10% of cases
• Frontotemporal dementia caused by abnormal amounts or forms of the proteins tau and TDP-43 in the brain, accounting for 2% to 10% of cases

Dementia symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, HIV infection that spreads to the brain, and long term, heavy alcohol use.

Common symptoms of dementia can include:

• Memory loss, especially not being to remember newly learned information and asking the same questions repeatedly
• Trouble planning and/or problem-solving
• Problems completing familiar tasks such as driving home or paying bills
• Confusion about time or place
• Problems with speaking or writing
• Losing the ability to retrace your steps to find misplaced items
• Problems with judgment or decision making
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Personality changes
• Increased anxiety, depression, or agitation
• Changes in sleep patterns

Medications for people with dementia

Although there is no cure for most types of dementia, there are FDA-approved medications that can help you manage symptoms and, in some cases, slow the progression of the disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that affects nerve cells in the brain and helps with language, judgement, and thinking skills.

Memantine acts on glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain that is overproduced in people with Alzheimer’s disease and that damages nerve cells. The medication limits glutamate-cell interactions, slowing damage and the decline in memory and thinking skills and potentially protecting nerve cells.

In Alzheimer’s disease, irregular amyloid activity causes the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.

Newer medications (lecanemab and donanemab) can help clear amyloid from the brain.

There are also a number of other medications that are being studied as potential treatments for dementia. Some new research has found an association between GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy and a significantly reduced risk of developing any form of dementia. The reason for this protection hasn’t been definitively found, but researchers believe it may have to do with a decrease in inflammation in the brain, as well as protection against cardiovascular diseases that contribute to some types of dementia. Other researchers are exploring whether anti-aging compounds, called senolytics, can block brain enzymes linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) without affecting healthy ones.

What you can do to lower the impact of modifiable dementia risk factors

While there are some risk factors you cannot control, including age and genetics, there are proactive lifestyle changes that can help you manage many of the modifiable risk factors associated with dementia.

• Prioritize cardiovascular health. The top risk factors for dementia—high blood pressure, obesity, and physical inactivity—all have a negative impact on the health of your heart. Lower your risk of both dementia and heart disease by getting regular blood pressure screenings and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Work towards and maintain a healthy weight and take part in regular moderate physical activity most days of the week. It’s also important to get screened for diabetes regularly and manage your blood sugar.
• Commit to healthier habits. If you smoke, quit. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Stay on top of mental health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health provider. Another part of mental wellbeing is maintaining strong social connections. Some ways to keep those connections strong include staying in touch with friends and family, joining a hobby or activity group, or volunteering.
• Get your hearing screened. If you experience hearing problems, ask your primary care provider to assess whether you should see an audiologist. To prevent hearing loss, use hearing protection around loud noises and keep the volume moderate when listening to music, watching T.V. or videos, or gaming.
• Protect your head. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, motorcycle, ATV, or scooter. Wear appropriate protective headgear when playing contact sports, skiing or snowboarding, horseback riding, or playing baseball or softball. Use your seat belt and never drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver.

PinnacleCare is here to support you

This article shares just some of the latest research on dementia. The PinnacleCare Medical Research team works to provide our members with the latest research-based information about different conditions and health situations. Working alongside each member’s Health Advisor to provide guidance and coordinate the best possible care. Talk to our team today to learn how we can support your health needs.

PinnacleCare is a member of the Sun Life Financial Inc. (“Sun Life”) family of companies. PinnacleCare and its employees do not diagnose medical conditions, recommend treatment options or provide medical care, and any information or services provided should not be considered medical advice. Any medical decisions should be made only after consultation with and at the direction of your medical provider. Any person or entity who provides health care services following a referral or other service provided does so independently and not as an agent or representative of PinnacleCare.

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