Key 7: Control Chronic Disease
7. Control Chronic Disease
Unfortunately, many chronic diseases can increase the risk of dementia. Reducing the risk of these chronic diseases, and if present, ensuring good control of these diseases is an important key! Chronic diseases shown to increase the risk for dementia include smoking, depression, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic inflammation. Approximately 40% of dementia risk could be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors that increase the risk and severity of these chronic diseases. Good control of these diseases can reduce their impact, thus steps such as lifestyle changes or appropriate medications can reduce the risk of dementia.