7 overlooked dementia risk factors revealed in major health update

Key Points:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its dementia risk reduction guidelines, adding seven new health conditions and exposures to the original 12 risk factors, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep problems, HIV, air pollution, and menopausal hormone therapy.
• Dr. Daniel Amen, a neurologist, supports the WHO's updated list and emphasizes the importance of brain health through factors like blood flow, mental health, and lifestyle, while noting insufficient evidence to recommend menopausal hormone therapy specifically for dementia prevention.
• Stroke and cardiovascular conditions are linked to increased dementia risk, and traumatic brain injury is highlighted as a significant but previously underemphasized factor contributing to cognitive decline.
• Sleep disorders and vision impairment may contribute to dementia risk by affecting brain function, though evidence on treatment impact remains inconclusive; untreated HIV is also recognized as a risk factor due to its effects on the central nervous system.
• The WHO and experts stress lifelong dementia prevention through social engagement, cognitive activity, and healthy lifestyle choices, urging individuals to consistently evaluate behaviors that support brain health to reduce dementia risk.