New research from the Lawson Research Institute and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry shows that many Canadians could significantly reduce their risk of developing dementia by making simple and affordable lifestyle changes.
The study, the first of its kind in Canada, highlights how modifying key behaviors can lower the chances of dementia, even for those with a genetic predisposition.
The researchers examined how 12 lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of dementia, finding that nearly half of the cases in Canada could be linked to these modifiable risks.
Among these, the most impactful factors—especially from midlife onwards—are physical inactivity, hearing loss, obesity, and high blood pressure (hypertension).
“Lifestyle changes aren’t a magic pill to prevent all dementias, but they offer an empowering way to lower the risk,” said Surim Son, lead author and Ph.D. candidate.
These findings could also reshape health policies, as the Public Health Agency of Canada is already considering the study in its national resources for advisors.
The study, published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, builds on a 2017 Lancet report that identified 12 global risk factors for dementia.
However, Canadian numbers stand out due to higher levels of risky behaviors. For example, four in five older Canadians don’t exercise regularly, one in three is obese or has high blood pressure, and one in five experiences hearing loss.
Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, co-author of the study and director of the Brain & Gait Lab at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute, emphasized that dementia isn’t inevitable, even for those with genetic risks. “Prevention may be the most effective form of treatment today,” he said.
Simple actions like regular exercise, managing blood pressure, addressing hearing issues, and maintaining social connections can reduce the risk significantly.
The Top 12 Risk Factors for Dementia
The study identified the following 12 modifiable factors, ranked from most to least significant:
- Physical inactivity
- Hearing loss
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Traumatic brain injury
- Depression
- Less education in early life
- Sleep disturbances
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Social isolation
By addressing these factors, individuals can strengthen their cognitive resilience and overall health.
Practical Steps for Better Brain Health
Dr. Montero-Odasso’s advice is simple: “Go out for a walk and keep moving. Get a hearing assessment. Keep your blood pressure in check. These steps are low-cost, easy to implement, and beneficial for both your brain and body.”
The research suggests that small, consistent changes can have a big impact. For instance, regular exercise not only improves physical health but also enhances brain function, while addressing hearing loss can prevent social isolation, another significant risk factor for dementia.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study underscores that dementia is not inevitable for most people, even those with genetic predispositions. By making affordable and manageable lifestyle changes, individuals can reduce their risk and improve their quality of life.
Prevention, as the researchers highlight, could be one of the most effective strategies in the fight against dementia, benefiting not only individuals but also the healthcare system as a whole.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and how alcohol, coffee and tea intake influence cognitive decline.
The research findings can be found in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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