Nine lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk, study says

By 2050, 131 million people could be living with dementia globally.

There are estimated to be 47 million people with the condition at the moment.

A study being presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in London lists 9 key lifestyle factors that contribute to the risk of dementia:

Mid-life hearing loss - responsible for 9% of the risk

Failing to complete secondary education - 8%

Smoking - 5%

Failing to seek early treatment for depression - 4%

Physical inactivity - 3%

Social isolation - 2%

High blood pressure - 2%

Obesity - 1%

Type 2 diabetes - 1%

These risk factors - which are thought to be modifiable - add up to 35%. The other 65% of dementia risk is beyond the individual's control.

What are everyone's thoughts on the steps you can take to help with the modifiable 35%? Do the results of this study surprise you?

The Simplyhealth team

[MAS_Nurse]

In some respects I am not surprised over most of them as it can be lifestyle choices. However I was surprised how high ' not completing secondary education' was on the list.

Modification of lifestyle such as increasing physical exercise, eating a healthier diet, seeking help with smoking cessation, tackling stress in your life, balancing work and play. All these help with reducing stress, blood pressure, and general well being.

The article made very interesting reading. Thank you.

[OliveMyLove]

Agree -- it feels like the answer to everything is in living a generally healthy lifestyle