Seniors
Want to learn more about this at Kettering Health?
At a Glance
Dementia risk comes from genes, health conditions, and lifestyle habits. While you can’t change genetics, many factors are treatable, and small changes can help lower your risk over time.
- Genetic risk doubles if a parent has dementia
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes lowers risk
- Certain medications increase risk
About 42% of people will develop dementia during their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health.
According to Dr. Muna Jneidi, a Kettering Health Years Ahead provider, the risk for Alzheimer’s— the most studied form of dementia—doubles every ten years after the age of 60. Knowing your risk can potentially help you prevent dementia as you age.
Risk factors for dementia
Dr. Jneidi explains that there is a genetic link to dementia.
“If somebody has a mom or a dad who has dementia,” she says, “they have a two-fold increase in the risk for dementia.”
Other known risk factors include
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Late-life depression
- Social isolation
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Overconsumption of alcohol*
- Traumatic brain injury
- Low education status
- Air pollution
“Genetic factors we cannot change,” Dr. Jneidi explains. “But these are fourteen risk factors that could be modified.”
For example, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, work with your doctor to address these issues and reduce your risk of dementia. Similarly, address hearing loss and vision loss with hearing aids and glasses if needed.
*Dr. Jneidi defines overconsumption of alcohol as anything more than seven drinks a week for women and 14 drinks a week for men. However, there is a health risk with any level of alcohol consumption, and avoiding alcohol is the best way to protect your health.
Medications and dementia risk
In addition, there are also certain medications that can increase your risk of dementia, including
- Urine incontinence medication
- Benzodiazepines
- Antihistamine
- Opioids
Dr. Jneidi notes that while originally thought to increase dementia risk, proton pump inhibitors, medications used for heartburn, have been found in recent studies not to increase the risk.
“It’s always nice to have a discussion between the patient and the doctor about what they’re taking and what can affect their cognition,” says Dr. Jneidi.
As with proton pump inhibitors, the understanding of other dementia risks is evolving.
New understanding of risk
One medication that was thought to reduce dementia risk but has been shown in recent studies to have no effect is estrogen hormonal replacement medication.
According to Dr. Jneidi, it was common to prescribe postmenopausal women estrogen medication to prevent dementia, but it has since been shown to have no impact on their risk as they age.
On the other hand, moderate caffeine intake from coffee and tea has recently been shown to lower dementia risk.
“They found that people who drink 300 milligrams of caffeine per day have a lower risk for dementia compared to those with no caffeine intake,” Dr. Jneidi explains. “Higher intake did not appear to achieve further benefit.”
Dr. Jneidi warns against energy drinks, as they often contain much more caffeine than the recommended daily amount.
Never too late
When it comes to reducing your dementia risk, the best time to start is now, no matter your age.
“I don’t think there is something called ‘too late,’” Dr. Jneidi says.
Physical activity and a healthy diet are the pillars for reducing dementia risk. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the other risks you may have for dementia.
Want to know your risk? Talk to a Years Ahead provider.
Schedule an appointmentPeople Often Ask
Having a parent with dementia can double your risk. While you can’t change genetics, managing health conditions and lifestyle factors can help lower overall dementia risk.
Yes. Some drugs, including benzodiazepines, antihistamines, opioids, and certain bladder medications, may affect brain function. Review your medications regularly with your doctor to lower dementia risk and ensure safer options.
Moderate caffeine intake—about 300 mg daily from coffee or tea—may lower dementia risk. Higher amounts do not add benefit, and energy drinks may exceed safe caffeine levels.
Yes. Untreated hearing and vision loss can increase dementia risk. Using hearing aids or glasses when needed can support brain health and reduce strain on cognition.
It’s never too early or too late. Healthy habits like exercise, balanced diet, and managing conditions can help reduce dementia risk at any age.
