7 new dementia risk factors revealed - including one millions struggle with

Key Points:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its 2019 guidelines on dementia risk reduction, adding seven new risk factors: stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep problems, HIV, air pollution, and menopausal hormone therapy.
• The WHO maintains that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is not recommended for dementia prevention in women over 65, and evidence is insufficient for younger women; hormonal changes during menopause may affect mood and memory, but the link to dementia risk is unclear.
• Neurologist Dr. Daniel Amen emphasized the importance of protecting brain health throughout life, highlighting that conditions such as stroke, head trauma, sleep disorders, HIV, and exposure to toxins can increase dementia risk.
• Sleep supports brain waste clearance, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea may contribute to Alzheimer's-like brain changes; vision impairment and air pollution are also linked to cognitive decline, though evidence for some factors remains limited.
• Amen advocates for lifelong dementia prevention through social engagement, cognitive activity, and healthy lifestyle choices, stressing that brain health significantly impacts overall quality of life.