Risk Factors for Dementia

The death or malfunction of neurons causes changes in memory, behavior and the ability to think. This is called dementia, but about one third of all dementia cases, have no specific identifiable cause.

Alzheimer's disease is the most serious form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease eventually leads to the inability to carry out even the most basic of bodily functions, such as swallowing or walking. Alzheimer's is ultimately fatal. Conventional treatment options have limited effectiveness.

Alzheimer's has reached epidemic proportions, and is currently affecting an estimated 5.4 million Americans. In the next 20 years, it is projected that Alzheimer's will affect 1 in 4 Americans, rivaling the current prevalence of obesity and diabetes. By 2050, Alzheimer's diagnoses are projected to triple!

Already, more than half a million Americans die from the Alzheimer's disease each year, making it the third leading cause of death in the U.S., right behind heart disease and cancer. Considering there's no known "cure" and so few viable treatments, prevention is the key.

Keeping the following 25 risk factors to a minimum, should go a long way towards preventing dementia.

What Factors Increase The Likelihood of Dementia?

1. Age

2. Genetics

3. High blood pressure

4. Smoking

5. Alcohol use

6. Atherosclerosis

7. High blood homocysteine

8. Lack of exercise

9. Diabetes

10. A vitamin D deficiency

11. Mercury toxicity

12. Aluminum toxicity

13. Sleep deprivation

14. A magnesium deficiency

15. Leaky gut syndrome and the imbalance of gut bacteria

16. High sugar, processed carbohydrate and gluten intake

17. The lack of consuming healthy fats

18. A folic acid deficiency

19. High intake of genetically modified food

20. Occupational pesticide exposure

21. The consumption of pesticides, especially glyphosate (Roundup)

22. Exposure to environmental toxins

23. Taking cholesterol lowering statin drugs

24. Living close to high power lines

25. A lack of mental stimulation

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