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Chapter 12 - Reducing Risk Factors for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Dementia

from Section 3 - Intervention

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 October 2024

Simon Gerhand
Simon Gerhand
Affiliation:
Hywel Dda Health Board, NHS Wales
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Summary

Although there is no single cause for dementia, there are various factors which increase or reduce the likelihood of it developing. Some of these are things which it is possible to change, which means it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia or slow down its progress. This chapter reviews the main risk factors, with a focus on those which are possible to change. This includes vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can be addressed pharmacologically. It then reviews lifestyle risk factors and how these can potentially be addressed via lifestyle changes. This includes giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, taking regular exercise, modifying diet, and improving quality and quantity of sleep. Evidence is reviewed for the effectiveness of making such changes.

Keywords

brain healthhealthy livinglifestyle modificationsrisk factors
Type
Chapter
Information
The Neuropsychology of Dementia
A Clinician's Manual
 , pp. 148 - 158
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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