Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’ s disease. This progressive condition results in the gradual deterioration of memory, cognitive abilities and personality traits. According to Alzheimer’ s Disease International, approximately 55 million individuals globally were affected by dementia in 2020, with projections indicating an increase to 139 million by 2050. The organization also reports that someone develops dementia every three seconds.

Alzheimer’ s disease poses significant challenges for both patients and their loved ones. Many individuals wonder if there are controllable risk factors that can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. While certain risk factors, such as age, are unavoidable, there are some that can be managed.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for dementia, according to NYU Langone Health. Hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation. It may also trigger brain inflammation, contributing to cell damage and cognitive decline.

DIABETES

Evidence from the Alzheimer’ s Society suggests that type 2 diabetes elevates the risk of dementia, depending on the disease’ s severity and duration. Similar to hypertension, diabetes can adversely affect the brain’ s vascular system by impairing the supply of nutrients and oxygen.

SMOKING

Smoking is a complex issue in Alzheimer’ s research. A report published in the journal Alzheimer’ s & Dementia in June 2015 linked cigarette smoking to both increased and decreased risks for Alzheimer’ s disease. However, the prevailing research concludes that overall, former and active smoking is associated with a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer’ s due to cerebral oxidative stress that facilitates the disease’ s formation.

HEAD TRAUMA

Serious head injuries, particularly those accompanied by loss of consciousness, have been associated with potential risk factors for Alzheimer’ s disease, according to the Alzheimer’ s Association. Taking precautions to avoid head injuries may lower disease risk.

ALCOHOL

The connection between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’ s disease is complex. The BrightFocus Foundation reports that moderate alcohol intake may expedite disease progression, whereas research cited by the Alzheimer’ s Association( published in Neuropsychiatric Disease) suggests that up to two alcoholic beverages daily might lower risk. In contrast, habitual heavy drinking can increase Alzheimer’ s risk by up to 300 percent.

Managing chronic conditions and adopting healthier habits may lower the risk of Alzheimer’ s disease.

OURHEALTHNWA. COM 12 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRAIN HEALTH ISSUE