How to reduce dementia risk through lifestyle and behavioural change

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a global campaign run by Alzheimer’s Disease International, during which organisations and individuals worldwide come together to challenge misconceptions of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

This year, the theme is based around greater understanding and awareness, with the aim of:

• • Encouraging people to ask direct questions
  • Normalising conversations
  • Advocating learning more about how the condition affects those living with it, their carers, and their loved ones.

A cruel illness which robs people of their memories, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. But there is a growing body of research that suggests there are some potentially modifiable factors that could reduce the risk.

Read on to find out more about what Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are, what the risk factors are, and how behavioural and lifestyle changes could make a difference.

Dementia is caused by different diseases, with Alzheimer’s being the most common of these

The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” are often used interchangeably. However, “dementia” is the umbrella term for symptoms of cognitive, behavioural, and functional decline, which can be caused by a number of different diseases.

Alzheimer’s is the most common of these diseases, which also include Lewy Body disease and vascular disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

• • There were 57 million people worldwide with dementia in 2021
  • Each year, there are almost 10 million new cases of dementia
  • Alzheimer’s is believed to account for 60-70% of cases of dementia
  • In 2019, dementia cost global economies $1.3 trillion, with around half of these costs attributed to informal carers, such as family and close friends.

Understanding the difference between natural ageing and dementia symptoms can be difficult

Typically, Alzheimer’s occurs in old age, although occasionally it can affect younger people, usually due to a genetic condition.

As there can be some natural cognitive decline as we age, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s or age-related changes.

However, some of the key symptoms to look out for include:

1. Memory loss

This is one of the most common symptoms and can be an early indicator of the disease. It’s most likely to affect a sufferer’s ability to keep a grasp on recently learned information, with repeated questions likely, or forgetting important dates and events.

2. Difficulty with everyday tasks

Familiar routines, such as shopping or visiting friends, may seem to be out of reach. Alzheimer’s sufferers often find it difficult to remember well-used routes, or how to use items around their house.

3. Issues with vision

Spatial awareness can be affected, causing problems with balance and vision, which in turn can impact driving.

4. Losing or misplacing items

We all lose things from time to time, but people with Alzheimer’s might put things in odd or unlikely places, and then forget they’ve done so.

5. Withdrawing from social activities

It can sometimes be difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s to follow conversations and engage as they used to in social activities, leading them to stop socialising and possibly become isolated.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can’t be prevented, but there are certain risk factors we can influence

According to the NHS, the causes of Alzheimer’s are linked to an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around our brain cells. This then starts to affect our neurotransmitters and, over time, shrinks areas of our brain. However, the exact cause isn’t fully understood, with a complex combination of age, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors at play.

However, a growing body of research suggests that there are certain things we can do to lessen some of our risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, these 14 risk factors contribute to 45% of Alzheimer’s cases worldwide.

While we can’t influence certain causes of dementia, such as ageing and genetics, these 14 risk factors are “modifiable”, meaning we can manage them either individually or at government level.

The 14 risk factors are:

• • Quality of education in early life
  • Social isolation
  • Air pollution
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Hearing loss
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Uncorrected vision loss
  • High cholesterol.

It’s important to stress that dementia is incredibly complex and there’s no way to prevent it. However, research has shown that dementia is more common amongst those with these risk factors.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has developed its “Think Brain” hub, which can help you understand more about how your cognition works, and give you some ideas for developing healthy brain habits.

This can be simplistically broken down into five key areas:

1. Don’t smoke

If you do, then quitting could be one of the best things you can do for your health.

2. Keep your head protected

Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or playing sports.

3. Protect your heart

Keep to a healthy weight, stay physically active, and stick to no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

4. Have regular hearing and vision tests

If you need to wear glasses or a hearing aid, make sure you follow the advice you’ve been given.

5. Manage underlying conditions – This includes high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Other factors, such as air pollution and quality of education, need input at policy level. Alzheimer’s Research UK is campaigning for a prevention strategy at government level, tackling the health and lifestyle inequalities associated with dementia risk.

Get in touch

Looking at positive and beneficial changes is an important consideration as you get older. While lifestyle and behavioural changes are important to keep you as healthy as possible, keeping your finances in shape might need some changes, too.

If you’d like to talk to us about any aspect of financial planning, email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560, and we’ll be very happy to help.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.