Major Risk Factors For Dementia

Atherosclerosis

Photo Credit: WebMD

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in an individual's arteries. This plaque is made up of substances like fat and cholesterol, and over time when plaque hardens, it can narrow and even blocks the arteries. This can drive up a patient's blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen that makes it to their brain. This, in turn, increases the risk of vascular dementia developing. Atherosclerosis can also make an individual's arteries seem older than they actually are, which may also connect to the increased risk of vascular dementia.

High Blood Levels Of Homocysteine

Test tubes. Photo Credit: Dreamstime @Dreamz

Research shows elevated blood levels of homocysteine may cause dementia. Homocysteine is an amino acid, which are needed to build up protein. Boston University researchers found high blood levels of homocysteine doubled an individual's chance of developing Alzheimer's disease. With this in mind, individuals can help reduce their homocysteine blood levels by taking B vitamins. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found supplementing with B vitamins stopped the wasting of brain cells associated with dementia. B vitamins also slowed down cognitive decline.

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