Dementia: Knowing The Risk Factors

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Dementia is a broad term that describes a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. This can manifest as memory loss, language difficulties, problems with executive function (such as decision-making and planning), and changes in mood or behaviour.

While dementia is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.

Dementia can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life as well as the lives of their caregivers. Early detection is critical for managing the disease and preserving as much cognitive function as possible.

So, what are some of the risk factors for dementia? Keep reading to find out.

What Causes Dementia?
Unfortunately, there is not always a clear answer. Dementia can be caused by a number of different diseases and conditions, but the most well-known is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-70% of cases. Other causes include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

Taking Care Of People With Dementia
While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to manage the condition and help people live fulfilling lives.

One of the most important things you can do if you have a loved one with dementia is to make sure they have access to quality health care. This includes regular health check-ups, health insurance, and any necessary medications.

Additionally, it's important to provide support and assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

There are health insurance plans and supplemental policies that provide coverage for people with dementia. The plans could cover some or all of the following:

• Inpatient hospital care
  
• Skilled nursing facility care
  
• Home health care
  
• Hospice care
  
• prescription drugs
  
• dental and vision care

Sign up for free on rohealth.ng to search for plans that provide coverage for dementia

Risk Factors for Dementia
Although the causes of dementia are not yet fully understood, there are certain risk factors that have been identified. These include age, genetic

• Age

The greatest risk factor for dementia is age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older. However, it’s important to note that younger people can also develop the disease. This is known as early onset Alzheimer’s.

• Family History

If you have a close relative—a parent or sibling—who has been diagnosed with dementia, your risk factor increases. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with Alzheimer’s are up to three times more likely to develop the disease than those without a family history.

• Genetic Factors

There are certain genetic mutations that can increase your risk for developing dementia. An example is the apolipoprotein E (APOE)gene which comes in three different forms—E2, E3, and E4. Having one copy of the E4 gene has been linked to an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s.

However, it's important to keep in mind that having this gene does not guarantee that you will develop Alzheimer's; it just simply means that your risk factor is increased.

• Lifestyle Factors

As you get older, your lifestyle choices can have an impact on your cognitive health. Smoking, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. This is because smoking damages blood vessels and causes inflammation throughout the body, both of which can contribute to cognitive decline. Other lifestyle choices that have been linked to an increased risk for dementia include physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Environmental Factors

There are also certain environmental factors that may increase your risk for developing dementia. For example, air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries—even those that had occurred years or decades earlier—have also been linked with an increased risk for dementia.