The number of people living with dementia in Canada is rising. There is no single cause for dementia but there are
things that increase the risk. You may be wondering:
Am I at risk?
When something increases a person’s chances of developing dementia, it is called a “risk factor”. There are many risk
factors, but none guarantee that a person will develop dementia. Instead, these risk factors make it more likely for
dementia to occur.
Some risk factors cannot be changed. These include:
- Genetics: There are certain types of dementia that are hereditary. This means a gene increasing the risk can
be passed down from parent to child. Yet, having a specific gene does not guarantee a person will develop
dementia. - Sex: Women are more likely to develop dementia than men.
- Age: The risk of developing dementia increases as you get older.
Note: Although there is a higher risk with age, dementia is not a result of normal aging.
Some risk factors can be changed. It is never too early or too late to make lifestyle changes that reduce your risk. Actions can be taken to reduce the following risk factors:
- Hearing loss
- Head injurie
- High blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol
- consumption
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Sleep
- apnea
- Air pollution
- Depression
- Social isolatio
- Vision loss
- High LDL cholesterol
What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk?
- Take care of your heart: Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight. See your doctor regularly to check your heart health.
- Exercise often: Consult Canada’s physical activity guidelines.
- Eat well: Reduce processed foods in your diet. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. For more information on healthy eating, Click Here.
- Take care of your hearing: Protect your ears from loud noises. Use hearing aids if needed.
- Take care of your lungs: Avoid smoking and air pollution. Visit your doctor if you have symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Protect your head: Consider the risks of contact sports. Wear a helmet.
- Take care of your mental health: Seek support for symptoms of depression.
- Reduce alcohol intake: Visit the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse and Addiction website for Canada’s low risk drinking guidelines.
- Stay socially active: Connect with friends and family regularly.
- Take care of your vision: Check your eyes regularly and schedule an appointment with your optometrist.
- Challenge your brain: Seek new experiences throughout life. Find hobbies, activities, and keep learning.
Talk to your doctor about ways to make safe changes that are right for you. Tell the doctor if you have memory concerns or are experiencing changes in mood or behaviour.
Contact the Dementia Society if you have questions about brain health, dementia, or caregiving. Find resources and supports in the Ottawa area. No diagnosis required. We are your community of support: https://dementiahelp.ca/
Resources
Watch the “Mind Your Bran health” video on the Dementia Society’s YouTube channel for more ideas on how to be brain healthy.
Learn more about brain health and dementia by registering for Dementia Society events.
Visit the Dementia Society’s YouTube channel for on-demand activities and information.
Check out our Dementia Learning Hub module on Brain Health.
Ottawa: 613-523-4004 | info@dsorc.org | DementiaHelp.ca Charitable Registration
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