Home / Health / Your lifestyle could slash dementia risk by 45%
Your lifestyle could slash dementia risk by 45%
10 Oct
Summary
- Up to 45% of dementia risk linked to modifiable lifestyle factors.
- Air pollution and medication use associated with higher dementia risk.
- Physical activity, cheese, and poultry linked to lower dementia risk.
Researchers have explored the impact of environmental exposures, known as the "exposome," on cognitive health. A study analyzing UK Biobank data for over 15 years identified numerous lifestyle factors influencing dementia risk.
Air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide, and polypharmacy were associated with an elevated risk. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive daytime napping, insufficient or excessive sleep, and dietary habits like not eating eggs also correlated with higher dementia incidence.
Socioeconomic factors like unemployment, lower education, financial difficulties, and unstable housing were identified as potential risks. Conversely, regular physical activity, including walking and DIY, along with consuming cheese and poultry, showed a protective effect.
Social and environmental factors like living with a partner, using digital devices, and higher income were linked to a lower likelihood of developing dementia. The study emphasizes that while links were found, causation isn't definitively proven, but supports multi-component interventions for dementia prevention.
