men’s dementia risk — with 36% of cases tied to those factors, versus 30% among women.
Depression was also a bigger contributor for women, compared with men. Among women, almost 11% of dementia cases could be tied to a lifetime history of depression, according to co-researcher Dr. Roch Nianogo, of the University of California, Los Angeles School of Public Health.
Nearly one-quarter of women in the study said they’d been diagnosed with depression at some point.
Edelmayer says that research is now moving beyond finding associations to testing ways to curb dementia risk.
“We think that adopting a combination of healthy behaviors may be most effective,” Edelmayer shares.
The Alzheimer’s Association is funding a trial called U.S. POINTER, which is testing that combo approach among seniors at increased risk of dementia. The lifestyle measures include exercise, mentally stimulating activities, and better control of high blood pressure and diabetes.
It’s critical, Edelmayer says, that studies recruit people of color, who have historically been underrepresented in medical research. As this study shows, the top modifiable risk factors for dementia vary among different groups of Americans.
In the meantime, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends doing the following to protect your brain health:
- Break a sweat: Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- Hit the books: It’s never too late to further your education. It will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This can be as simple as taking a class at a local college, community center or online.
- Butt out: Evidence shows that smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. However, those that quit smoking can reduce their risk to levels that are comparable to those who have not smoked.
- Heads up!: Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wearing a seat belt, using a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and taking steps to prevent falls can help prevent brain injuries.
- Fuel up: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Catch some zzz’s: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
- Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. You can combat this by seeking medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns and managing your stress.
- Buddy up: Staying socially engaged supports brain health. Try pursuing social activities that are meaningful to you or spending time with friends and family.
- Stump yourself: Challenge and activate your mind by doing something that makes you think strategically such as building furniture or doing a puzzle.