Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people globally, disrupting memory, thinking and reasoning. While it is natural for cognitive abilities to decline with age, dementia signifies a more profound and irreversible loss of these functions.
Know the essential lifestyle changes that can help you manage dementia. (Photo by Pixabay)
Dementia proofing:
To understand how we can prevent or manage this condition, it’s important to explore the key risk factors involved. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neha Sinha, dementia specialist, CEO and co-founder of Epoch Elder Care, shared, “First, let’s talk about how genetic predisposition also plays a role. If there’s a family history of neurodegenerative disorders, the likelihood of developing the same increases. While getting older is inevitable, age remains one of the most significant risk factors for dementia, especially for those over 60 years.”
According to her, lifestyle choices are something we can control. She suggested, “Habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can dramatically increase the risk of dementia. Cardiovascular health also plays a crucial role. Conditions like atherosclerosis and high blood pressure are other known risk factors. Additionally, isolation, poor social engagement and a sedentary lifestyle further heighten the likelihood of dementia.”
Excessive screen time can cause ‘digital dementia’ (File Photo)
Neha Sinha cautioned, “Poor nutrition and a diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients deprive the brain of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats it needs to function at its best. Diabetes and high cholesterol have also been linked to increased risk of dementia. Recognising these factors enables individuals and healthcare systems to collaborate in minimising the impact of dementia and supporting healthier ageing for all.”
From genes to habits:
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Kersi Chavda, Consultant – Psychiatry at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, revealed, “About 5% to 8% of all people over the age of 65 have some form of dementia, and this number doubles every five years above that age. It’s estimated that as many as half of people 85 years of age and older have dementia.”
“The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s, affecting about 60–70% of people with dementia worldwide. Early signs include forgetting recent events or conversations. Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, and that associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disorder,” Dr Chavda added.
Dementia can affect people differently, depending on the area of the brain that’s damaged. Dr Chavda highlighted, “Treatments include medication, therapy, diet, and exercise. There are also support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers. People with a family history of dementia have a greater chance of developing it with increasing age. Certainly, genes, specifically APOE alleles, are associated. Brain injury: If you’ve had a severe brain injury, you’re at a higher risk for dementia. Poor circulation to the brain causes an issue; hence, the need to avoid smoking, keep blood pressure under control, and maintain cholesterol and diabetes.”
One of the things that can help patients of dementia, according to a study published in The National Institute for Dementia Education, is discussing past events with them(Pexels)
Asserting that diet plays a role, Dr Kersi Chavda advised, “Avoid polyunsaturated fats and sugars. And maintain some exercise routines daily to control obesity. Cognitive activity is a must, which also means that social withdrawal is avoidable. One must also attempt to control illnesses like depression and sleep disorders. Excessive alcohol and smoking are also associated with an increase in dementia, probably due to their effects on vascularity in the brain. Eventually, one cannot do anything about one’s genetic makeup, but one can attempt to modify one’s lifestyle choices.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.
Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:
1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –
The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur
2. Daily exercise –
Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.
3. Having a purpose –
Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.
4. Socialising –
Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.
People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –
Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.
Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:
1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –
The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur
2. Daily exercise –
Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.
3. Having a purpose –
Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.
4. Socialising –
Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.
People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –
Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
There are many things in our lifestyle that, which when we do, will affect our brains. According to health experts, pathological changes that cause dementia have already started 40 years before the actual onset of symptoms.
Prevent dementia 40 years ahead: Simple lifestyle changes to protect your brain (Photo by Pixabay)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant – Neurology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, shared that steps taken at this stage can halt the progression of dementia. He recommended the following practical steps:
1. Ensure good uninterrupted sleep –
The later half of your sleep the more sleep is where memories in the form of connections are consolidated and cleansing of unwanted is done, the more the unwanted connections accumulate the more damage may occur
2. Daily exercise –
Everyone knows it but still avoids it, aerobic exercises as simple as walking help to increase your circulation to the brain develop collaterals in case of blockages, and improve the toxin clearing in the brain.
3. Having a purpose –
Keeping yourself mentally and physically active helps in short retirement and just relaxing, eg. indulging in passive activities (like watching TV or nowadays doom scrolling) is not good for our brain instead learn something new. Instead of learning something new like playing a musical instrument or a new language or anything that excites you, it can be as simple as gardening or knitting. Creating a hobby and habit at an elderly age is difficult so starting early and later just sticking to that habit is easier.
4. Socialising –
Man is a social animal. Studies have confirmed that socialising helps to maintain positive brain health and prevent dementia.
People working on screens in offices are at a higher risk of developing digital dementia due to prolonged exposure to digital devices.(File Photo)
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sadique Pathan, Neurologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar, advised that adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, a condition affecting memory and cognition. He elaborated –
Exercise is crucial for brain health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, reduces neuro-inflammation, and enhances neurotransmitter activity, all of which help maintain cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, weekly. Include strength training exercises twice a week and add balance and flexibility exercises like yoga to reduce fall risk.
A balanced diet is another key factor. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, have been linked to better brain health. The MIND diet, combining elements of these two, specifically targets foods that promote brain health, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Include at least three servings of whole grains daily, eat fish weekly, and use olive oil as the primary cooking fat. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which are linked to cognitive decline.
Avoiding smoking is vital as smoking damages blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—is advisable, as heavy drinking is linked to brain atrophy and cognitive impairment.
Cognitive engagement and social interaction are also essential for brain health. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills helps build cognitive reserve, delaying dementia onset. Regular social interaction stimulates cognitive processes and provides emotional support, beneficial for mental health.
Researchers found that increased social contact at the age of 60 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.(Unsplash)
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, combining regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and cognitive engagement can significantly reduce risk. These steps not only support brain health but also enhance overall well-being, promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Research suggests bilingual people enjoy cognitive benefits later in life.
My father decided to start learning French when he was 57. He hired a tutor to meet with him twice a week and diligently completed his homework before every lesson. Before long, he was visiting the French bakery across town to practice his pronunciation (and buy macarons). Now, two decades later, he’s on his third tutor.
On the surface, his retirement hobby seems a little random – our family has no connection to French-speaking countries – but his motivation ran deeper than a passion for pastries. My grandmother developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease in her early 70s, and studies suggest being bilingual can delay the onset of the condition by up to five years.
Duolingo is a popular app where users can learn many languages. Photo / 123rf
Why your memory goes downhill after 30 – and how to reboot it
Over a month Laurel Ives embarked upon a memory bootcamp of puzzles, diet changes and supplements. Here are the results.
Forgetting names, finding myself on the wrong tube, searching for my keys while holding them – as I’ve hit middle age I find memory lapses seem to have become increasingly frequent.
It’s almost comical how long it can take my friends and I to remember the name of an actor, a movie title or the plot of a book. What is going on? Am I on the grim road to dementia? And is it possible to reboot my memory and restore it to an earlier, sharper form?
Dr Tim Beanland is head of knowledge at the Alzheimer’s Society and author of the puzzle book, Mind Games.
“People think if their memory is getting a little bit worse they must have dementia. But a bit of memory loss is normal. Your brain is part of your body and you wouldn’t expect your skin, for example, to be the same as when you were 20 – it’s the same for your brain. It’s normal to become a bit more distractible and to find it harder to hold onto things like names,” he says.
Dementia is on a different scale from normal memory loss, however. “If I just told you something and you then asked me for the same information within two to five minutes, that would be dementia – when people stop being able to form memories. Instead of forgetting where you parked your car, people with dementia would ask: ‘Did I come by car or bus?’
“Dementia affects your ability to do your job and socialise – there’s a big difference in scale,” says Beanland.
Puzzles that exercise the mind, such as crosswords, have been shown to help keep the brain healthy. Photo / 123rf
How to optimise your brain health if you’re at risk of developing Alzheimer’s
A test showed me I’m at high risk for the disease. Now I’m doing all I can to optimise my brain health.
To me, the A-word is as bad as the C-word. When my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 80, I brushed off every time he forgot me as a joke. In reality, I was broken-hearted, as he was too, by the disease that robbed him of who he had been. Seeing what he went through pushed me to sign up as a volunteer for Alzheimer’s research, which in 2021 showed I, too, was at high risk of developing it.
When I got the call from the clinic, I went into complete shock. I had undergone memory testing that showed I had no issues with cognition, and joked with a friend that I’d signed up to the trial only for the free Pret sandwiches.
I never expected to learn I had two copies of the APOE4 gene. This, I was told, gives me a 75% chance of developing Alzheimer’s, but there’s no way of knowing if and when that might happen.
Three years later, I think I’m still in denial about the result. Every time I forget something, I wonder: “Is this a sign that my memory is starting to go?” I had a stroke in 2022; I honestly think I was so anxious about the result, I burst my own brain.
Is Alzheimer’s the same as dementia? A brain expert explains
Alzheimer’s is a disease that occurs in your brain. It’s characterised by brain shrinkage, which is caused by brain cells progressively dying, and the accumulation of plaques and tangles, the two major hallmarks or pathologies of Alzheimer’s.
It was first described by the German psychiatrist and pathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906.
To be clear, Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes dementia. Dementia is not a disease per se, it’s a set of symptoms that can be caused by lots of different diseases. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause, but you can have dementia symptoms because of other diseases such as vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia, for example.
According to US figures, the global brain health supplements market is expected to be valued at US$15.59 billion ($24.98b) by 2030. Photo / 123rf
Can supplements really help prevent dementia?
It is estimated more than 1 million people in Britain will have a diagnosis of dementia by 2025. It’s a sobering thought, but new research suggests 40% of these cases could be delayed or prevented by prioritising a healthy and active lifestyle.
Although this sounds encouraging, losing weight, getting fit and drinking less alcohol are noble goals that require a level of commitment that many of us struggle to sustain. So, it’s hardly surprising we’re increasingly inclined to reach for vitamins and supplements to try to stave off memory loss – especially if we can’t quite manage to surrender all our bad habits.
According to US figures, the global brain health supplements market was valued at US$7.6 billion ($12.3b) in 2021, and is expected to reach US$15.59b by 2030, driven by an ageing population desperate to find out how to prevent dementia.
To help with dementia, you have to enter your loved one’s reality
It can be fearsome and difficult to see a loved one changing – but there are ways to connect with them.
A big misconception is that dementia is part of ageing. Misplacing things, or forgetting to pay a bill, often comes with growing older – because our brain doesn’t tend to function as well at 80 as it used to at 21. But that’s not dementia. Dementia is a progressive condition that causes gradual cognitive decline that may affect personality and the person’s daily living. It’s an umbrella term – there are more than 200 types – and all affect memory. There is no cure, although medication can sometimes help with the symptoms.
What often happens is that a couple are plodding along together at home. Over time, one partner has started to take over some of the tasks that the other is no longer very good at. It might be, “You always make a mess when you cook. So I’ll do it.” And so it goes on. No one else sees it happening. The more-able partner doesn’t even see it because it’s their daily reality – like the note stuck on the fridge that you simply stop seeing, even though it’s neon pink.
Then a son or daughter visits and they haven’t seen their parents for, say, three months. And immediately it’s, “What’s going on with Dad?” “Oh, it’s just your Dad.” But it’s not “just Dad”. They can see that something is going on. We think of the big things that might suggest dementia, such as wandering out at night or forgetting how to start the car. However, the brain is incredible at adapting and compensating. So it’s likely that, by the time a big thing happens, the person is further along on their dementia journey than they – or anyone else – realises.
Alastair Stewart (right), meeting Camilla Parker Bowles in 2015, presented news bulletins for almost 50 years before learning he had dementia. Photo / Getty Images
The day a top newsreader found out he had dementia
He can’t read a clock face or do up his shoelaces. But Alastair Stewart can still remember what it was like to be one of Britain’s leading broadcasters. Andrew Billen meets him at home.
Doctors set some store by how patients “present”, although they are wary too as appearances can be deceptive. Today I shall discover how one of Britain’s most familiar news presenters currently presents. When Alastair Stewart retired from GB News a year ago, he had been presenting news bulletins for almost 50 years. As it matured over the decades, his style on ITV became unmistakable: its cigarette-charred timbre; its vigorously attacking approach to sentences. But how will he perform for me this morning, seven months after he announced that he has dementia? He knows people will be interested. Some will perhaps be voyeuristically so. Stewart’s youngest son has already joked that his greeting to me should be, “I can’t remember what we’re talking about.”
“So there is space for mirth and black humour,” says Stewart, who will soon be unerringly plucking from his mental filing cabinet the names of former colleagues, mentors, politicians, even the chief antagonists of 80ss Poland, Lech Walesa and General Jaruzelski.
“Oh, wind him up and off he goes,” says Sally, his wife of 46 years, who for fact-checking purposes is sharing a sofa with me in the sitting room of their charming farmhouse home in Stewart’s native Hampshire. They met at Southern Television where he had his first job. As a production assistant, she would sometimes tell him down his earpiece to stop talking. They have brought up three sons and a daughter. Now, in his armchair opposite, Stewart, 71 and sporting a brace of hearing aids, answers my questions brilliantly.
A drug to slow Alzheimer’s is finally available. How are patients faring?
Over the past three years, a new class of Alzheimer’s drug, the first to treat a root cause of the disease, has set off a roller coaster of hope and disappointment. But while these so-called anti-amyloid antibodies had a rough start, many patients and their doctors are feeling more optimistic now that one of the medications is finally being used more widely.
Lecanemab (brand name Leqembi; pronounced le-KEM-bee) was given full approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2023 and is currently the only one of its class available to Alzheimer’s patients, outside clinical trials. The drug has been shown to slow the progression of the disease, but its benefits are fairly modest. It is also a burdensome therapy and has a high risk of troubling side effects.
With lecanemab having been approved for nearly a year – and with a similar drug, donanemab, recommended for approval by an FDA advisory committee – the New York Times checked in with experts at three major medical centres about who’s receiving lecanemab and how they’re responding.
Despite her advanced Alzheimer’s, the woman I love is still in there
Brit Hugh Webb met his Kiwi wife Lorraine in New Zealand 55 years ago. She has lived with advanced dementia for more than a decade, but he remains devoted to her.
My darling wife Lorraine can no longer walk or talk and is doubly incontinent. She now lives in a hospital bed in our Surrey front room. And yet, despite the fact Alzheimer’s disease has taken so much from her, the woman I fell in love with is still there. Lorraine may not recognise me – sometimes she looks at me and doesn’t even see me – but she still giggles at the sound of my voice, and smiles when I play our favourite classical music, the Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from Spartacus. We are both now 77, and ours is a love story that has lasted almost 60 years.
Till dementia do us part: The heartbreak of putting a sick spouse into care
Even as the signals of approaching dementia became impossible to ignore, Joseph Drolet dreaded the prospect of moving his partner into a long-term care facility.
Drolet, 79, and his beloved Rebecca, 71, both retired lawyers and prosecutors in Atlanta, US, had been a couple for 33 years, though they retained separate homes. In 2019, she began getting lost while driving, mishandling her finances and struggling with the television remote. The diagnosis, Alzheimer’s disease, came in 2021.
Over time, Drolet moved Rebecca (whose surname he asked to withhold to protect her privacy) into his home. But serving as her round-the-clock caregiver, as she needed help with every daily task, became exhausting and untenable. Rebecca began wandering their neighbourhood and “getting dressed in the middle of the night, preparing for trips that weren’t happening”, Drolet recalled.
Last year, when he determined that Rebecca no longer really knew where she was, he felt it was time to move her to a memory-care residence in a nearby assisted-living facility.
Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
While such findings are important and should be shared with the public, they must be communicated with care, says Professor Eef Hogervorst, a neuropsychologist and epidemiologist specialising in dementia research.
In this expert comment piece, Professor Hogervorst discusses the complex factors that influence dementia risk and why we must not oversimplify research findings by presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as straightforward solutions that will work for everyone.
Why is it difficult to identify which lifestyle changes and treatments reduce dementia risk?
“Dementia prevention in public messaging is sometimes presented as a simple checklist: fix your vision, maintain your hearing, exercise regularly, and you’ll lower your risk,” says Professor Hogervorst.
“But this kind of narrative is an oversimplification and overlooks the complex web of socio-economic, genetic, and health factors that influence dementia, which aren’t easily addressed by individual actions alone.
“While many studies indicate that specific treatments or lifestyle changes are associated with a lower dementia risk, it’s important to communicate findings with care and consider the broader context in which the research is conducted. This includes examining the study conditions, the participants involved, and other influencing factors.
“The benefits observed in studies may not apply equally to everyone and can be influenced by participants’ socio-economic status, overall health, or other variables beyond the treatment or lifestyle change itself.
“For instance, if a study examining the impact of a specific treatment draws its findings from a group primarily composed of affluent individuals, any observed reduction in dementia risk might reflect their broader socio-economic advantages rather than the effectiveness of the treatment being studied.
“Affluent individuals generally have better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles, including better diets, more exercise, and lower stress levels – all of which are associated with lower dementia risk.
“This can make it difficult to disentangle the effects of a treatment from the broader benefits of a higher socio-economic status.”
Professor Hogervorst continued: “Health factors also make it hard to conclude if lifestyle changes and treatments are having a direct impact on dementia risk.
“Heath conditions can be complex and interconnected. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use, can impact the brain and overall health through mechanisms like reduced oxygen supply, high blood glucose levels, and plaque formation.
“It could be that a lifestyle change or treatment addresses an underlying condition that in turn impacts dementia risk.
“For instance, let’s say treating hearing loss appears to reduce dementia risk. It’s possible that someone who has their hearing loss treated may start engaging in activities they previously avoided, like exercising, which improves their cardiovascular health.
“This improvement in cardiovascular health, rather than the treatment of hearing loss alone, could be what lowers their dementia risk.
“So, it’s important to recognise that the benefit might come from addressing broader, interconnected health problems rather than treating one specific condition.
“In addition, it is unclear how genetics that increase risk for dementia – such as having an APOE ε4 gene – interact with lifestyles, with many studies showing opposing results.”
Is there anything that can be done to reduce dementia risk?
Professor Hogervorst said: “Without robust long-term treatment studies, the idea of preventing dementia with certain lifestyle changes or treatments remains, in many cases, more theoretical than practical.
“Instead of presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as guaranteed solutions, it is perhaps more realistic to say, ‘this looks promising, you might want to consider trying it,’ while being careful not to place the burden solely on individuals.
“By promoting the idea that certain treatments will reduce dementia risk for everyone, we risk reverting to a damaging 1980s mindset, where failing to take the ‘right’ preventive steps implies it’s somehow your fault if you develop a condition.
“This narrative not only oversimplifies the complexities of dementia, but also unfairly blames individuals for factors largely outside their control.”
“That said, there are reasonable evidence-backed steps that can help prevent or impact the progression of a range of age-related conditions, including dementia, vision loss, cancer, and heart disease”, says Professor Hogervorst.
“This includes a healthy Mediterranean-type diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying socially active, and avoiding smoking.
“But ultimately, the key to reducing dementia risk lies in public health strategies that address health inequalities.
“It’s not just about advising people to eat better, exercise more, and go to health checks; it’s about ensuring these options are realistically available and accessible to everyone.”
To learn more about Professor Hogervorst’s research, check out her Research Spotlight. You can also read her latest Conversation article, ‘How your vision can predict dementia 12 years before it is diagnosed – new study’, by visiting the news outlet’s website.
Professor Hogervorst has also co-authored a new book, ‘Creating Empowering Environments for People with Dementia: Addressing Inclusive Design from Homes to Cities.’ Details are on the Routledge website.
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: 24/168
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2024 QS World University Rankings – the eighth year running.
Loughborough is ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2025, 10th in the Guardian University League Table 2025 and 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
While such findings are important and should be shared with the public, they must be communicated with care, says Professor Eef Hogervorst, a neuropsychologist and epidemiologist specialising in dementia research.
In this expert comment piece, Professor Hogervorst discusses the complex factors that influence dementia risk and why we must not oversimplify research findings by presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as straightforward solutions that will work for everyone.
Why is it difficult to identify which lifestyle changes and treatments reduce dementia risk?
“Dementia prevention in public messaging is sometimes presented as a simple checklist: fix your vision, maintain your hearing, exercise regularly, and you’ll lower your risk,” says Professor Hogervorst.
“But this kind of narrative is an oversimplification and overlooks the complex web of socio-economic, genetic, and health factors that influence dementia, which aren’t easily addressed by individual actions alone.
“While many studies indicate that specific treatments or lifestyle changes are associated with a lower dementia risk, it’s important to communicate findings with care and consider the broader context in which the research is conducted. This includes examining the study conditions, the participants involved, and other influencing factors.
“The benefits observed in studies may not apply equally to everyone and can be influenced by participants’ socio-economic status, overall health, or other variables beyond the treatment or lifestyle change itself.
“For instance, if a study examining the impact of a specific treatment draws its findings from a group primarily composed of affluent individuals, any observed reduction in dementia risk might reflect their broader socio-economic advantages rather than the effectiveness of the treatment being studied.
“Affluent individuals generally have better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles, including better diets, more exercise, and lower stress levels – all of which are associated with lower dementia risk.
“This can make it difficult to disentangle the effects of a treatment from the broader benefits of a higher socio-economic status.”
Professor Hogervorst continued: “Health factors also make it hard to conclude if lifestyle changes and treatments are having a direct impact on dementia risk.
“Heath conditions can be complex and interconnected. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use, can impact the brain and overall health through mechanisms like reduced oxygen supply, high blood glucose levels, and plaque formation.
“It could be that a lifestyle change or treatment addresses an underlying condition that in turn impacts dementia risk.
“For instance, let’s say treating hearing loss appears to reduce dementia risk. It’s possible that someone who has their hearing loss treated may start engaging in activities they previously avoided, like exercising, which improves their cardiovascular health.
“This improvement in cardiovascular health, rather than the treatment of hearing loss alone, could be what lowers their dementia risk.
“So, it’s important to recognise that the benefit might come from addressing broader, interconnected health problems rather than treating one specific condition.
“In addition, it is unclear how genetics that increase risk for dementia – such as having an APOE ε4 gene – interact with lifestyles, with many studies showing opposing results.”
Is there anything that can be done to reduce dementia risk?
Professor Hogervorst said: “Without robust long-term treatment studies, the idea of preventing dementia with certain lifestyle changes or treatments remains, in many cases, more theoretical than practical.
“Instead of presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as guaranteed solutions, it is perhaps more realistic to say, ‘this looks promising, you might want to consider trying it,’ while being careful not to place the burden solely on individuals.
“By promoting the idea that certain treatments will reduce dementia risk for everyone, we risk reverting to a damaging 1980s mindset, where failing to take the ‘right’ preventive steps implies it’s somehow your fault if you develop a condition.
“This narrative not only oversimplifies the complexities of dementia, but also unfairly blames individuals for factors largely outside their control.”
“That said, there are reasonable evidence-backed steps that can help prevent or impact the progression of a range of age-related conditions, including dementia, vision loss, cancer, and heart disease”, says Professor Hogervorst.
“This includes a healthy Mediterranean-type diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying socially active, and avoiding smoking.
“But ultimately, the key to reducing dementia risk lies in public health strategies that address health inequalities.
“It’s not just about advising people to eat better, exercise more, and go to health checks; it’s about ensuring these options are realistically available and accessible to everyone.”
To learn more about Professor Hogervorst’s research, check out her Research Spotlight. You can also read her latest Conversation article, ‘How your vision can predict dementia 12 years before it is diagnosed – new study’, by visiting the news outlet’s website.
Professor Hogervorst has also co-authored a new book, ‘Creating Empowering Environments for People with Dementia: Addressing Inclusive Design from Homes to Cities.’ Details are on the Routledge website.
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: 24/168
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2024 QS World University Rankings – the eighth year running.
Loughborough is ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2025, 10th in the Guardian University League Table 2025 and 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
Studies that find a reduction in dementia risk through lifestyle changes and treatments are frequently reported in the news.
While such findings are important and should be shared with the public, they must be communicated with care, says Professor Eef Hogervorst, a neuropsychologist and epidemiologist specialising in dementia research.
In this expert comment piece, Professor Hogervorst discusses the complex factors that influence dementia risk and why we must not oversimplify research findings by presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as straightforward solutions that will work for everyone.
Why is it difficult to identify which lifestyle changes and treatments reduce dementia risk?
“Dementia prevention in public messaging is sometimes presented as a simple checklist: fix your vision, maintain your hearing, exercise regularly, and you’ll lower your risk,” says Professor Hogervorst.
“But this kind of narrative is an oversimplification and overlooks the complex web of socio-economic, genetic, and health factors that influence dementia, which aren’t easily addressed by individual actions alone.
“While many studies indicate that specific treatments or lifestyle changes are associated with a lower dementia risk, it’s important to communicate findings with care and consider the broader context in which the research is conducted. This includes examining the study conditions, the participants involved, and other influencing factors.
“The benefits observed in studies may not apply equally to everyone and can be influenced by participants’ socio-economic status, overall health, or other variables beyond the treatment or lifestyle change itself.
“For instance, if a study examining the impact of a specific treatment draws its findings from a group primarily composed of affluent individuals, any observed reduction in dementia risk might reflect their broader socio-economic advantages rather than the effectiveness of the treatment being studied.
“Affluent individuals generally have better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles, including better diets, more exercise, and lower stress levels – all of which are associated with lower dementia risk.
“This can make it difficult to disentangle the effects of a treatment from the broader benefits of a higher socio-economic status.”
Professor Hogervorst continued: “Health factors also make it hard to conclude if lifestyle changes and treatments are having a direct impact on dementia risk.
“Heath conditions can be complex and interconnected. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use, can impact the brain and overall health through mechanisms like reduced oxygen supply, high blood glucose levels, and plaque formation.
“It could be that a lifestyle change or treatment addresses an underlying condition that in turn impacts dementia risk.
“For instance, let’s say treating hearing loss appears to reduce dementia risk. It’s possible that someone who has their hearing loss treated may start engaging in activities they previously avoided, like exercising, which improves their cardiovascular health.
“This improvement in cardiovascular health, rather than the treatment of hearing loss alone, could be what lowers their dementia risk.
“So, it’s important to recognise that the benefit might come from addressing broader, interconnected health problems rather than treating one specific condition.
“In addition, it is unclear how genetics that increase risk for dementia – such as having an APOE ε4 gene – interact with lifestyles, with many studies showing opposing results.”
Is there anything that can be done to reduce dementia risk?
Professor Hogervorst said: “Without robust long-term treatment studies, the idea of preventing dementia with certain lifestyle changes or treatments remains, in many cases, more theoretical than practical.
“Instead of presenting lifestyle changes and treatments as guaranteed solutions, it is perhaps more realistic to say, ‘this looks promising, you might want to consider trying it,’ while being careful not to place the burden solely on individuals.
“By promoting the idea that certain treatments will reduce dementia risk for everyone, we risk reverting to a damaging 1980s mindset, where failing to take the ‘right’ preventive steps implies it’s somehow your fault if you develop a condition.
“This narrative not only oversimplifies the complexities of dementia, but also unfairly blames individuals for factors largely outside their control.”
“That said, there are reasonable evidence-backed steps that can help prevent or impact the progression of a range of age-related conditions, including dementia, vision loss, cancer, and heart disease”, says Professor Hogervorst.
“This includes a healthy Mediterranean-type diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying socially active, and avoiding smoking.
“But ultimately, the key to reducing dementia risk lies in public health strategies that address health inequalities.
“It’s not just about advising people to eat better, exercise more, and go to health checks; it’s about ensuring these options are realistically available and accessible to everyone.”
To learn more about Professor Hogervorst’s research, check out her Research Spotlight. You can also read her latest Conversation article, ‘How your vision can predict dementia 12 years before it is diagnosed – new study’, by visiting the news outlet’s website.
Professor Hogervorst has also co-authored a new book, ‘Creating Empowering Environments for People with Dementia: Addressing Inclusive Design from Homes to Cities.’ Details are on the Routledge website.
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: 24/168
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2024 QS World University Rankings – the eighth year running.
Loughborough is ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2025, 10th in the Guardian University League Table 2025 and 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
