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" A new report by Public Health England (PHE) has highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle in middle-age for reducing the risk of developing dementia. So much so, health experts believe up to a third of dementia cases could be avoided by simple lifestyle changes, from quitting smoking to avoiding sitting for long periods of time. Despite this, Alzheimer&amp;#039;s UK recently revealed that only a quarter of adults understand that lifestyle changes can affect someone&amp;#039;s chances of developing the condition.   The report \u2013 Health matters: Midlife approached to reduce dementia risk \u2013 revealed age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, due to factors associated with ageing. This includes higher blood pressure in later life, an increased incidence of some diseases, changes to nerve cells, DNA and cell structure, the weakening of the body&amp;#039;s natural repair systems and changes in the immune system. As well as age, a number of lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing dementia. The number one \u2013 and probably least surprising \u2013 culprit for increasing a person&amp;#039;s risk of developing dementia is smoking. The unhealthy habit doubles the risk of dementia by increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, narrowing the blood vessels in the heart and brain, and increasing brain-damaging oxidative stress. Other lifestyle factors that play a part in mental decline include a lack of exercise (especially if coupled with a sedentary lifestyle), excessive alcohol consumption, eating a poor diet high in saturated fat, sugar, salt and obesity in midlife. Pre-existing medical conditions that play a part in increasing the risk of dementia include Parkinson&amp;#039;s disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.   PHE also add in the report:  &amp;quot;It is now believed that what&amp;#039;s good for the heart is also good for the brain.&amp;quot;  As well as quitting smoking, being more active, reducing alcohol consumption, improving diet and maintaining a healthy weight, the report suggests keeping your brain active with tools such as puzzles or learning a second language, and being socially active are two other research-backed ways to reduce your chances of developing dementia.  In just under 10 years time, PHE estimate over one million people may have dementia in the UK. As a result, it&amp;#039;s urging councils to invest in dementia risk reduction and have produced a Dementia Profile Tool that can help councils identify local risk factors for dementia.   PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said:  &amp;quot;Dementia is a critical public health concern. In the absence of a treatment or cure, it is important that we take action to reduce the numbers of people getting dementia.Protecting and promoting brain health has been relatively neglected. This edition of Health matters makes the case for action that will help reduce the risk of dementia in later life.&amp;quot;  The NetDoctor newsletter delivers the latest healthy living news straight to your inbox. Make sure you never miss out by signing up here...  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a26291/dementia-risk-increased-by-lifestyle-factors/>