Manage Your Health
Some health conditions – such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes – increase the risk for developing dementia. Therefore, it’s important to adequately manage your overall health.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure causes a lot of stress on the arteries. Over time, the walls of the arteries become thicker, stiffer and narrower. High blood pressure is the strongest risk factor for stroke.
High Cholesterol
Substances called amyloid plaques are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. These plaques are caused when a specific protein builds up. Researchers found that high levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol were both linked to having more amyloid in the brain. Changes in your lifestyle can improve your cholesterol numbers.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause many complications, such as damage to your blood vessels. Diabetes is considered a risk factor for vascular dementia. This type of dementia occurs due to brain damage that is often caused by reduced or blocked flood flow to your brain.
