Aging and genetics are two known risk factors of developing dementia. Although aging and genetics cannot be prevented, a growing body of research evidence exists that identifies 14 potentially modifiable risk factors.
Physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, head injury, infrequent social contact, less education, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, hearing impairment, vision loss and high cholesterol are the 14 modifiable risk factors. Recent research indicates that if all of these risk factors could be modified, up to 45% of cases of dementia could be delayed or prevented.
