Dementia: Neurosurgeon wants you to know about high BP, diabetes and other CDC-backed risk factors

Dementia is a condition that affects how the brain works—especially when it comes to memory, thinking, and reasoning. It’s not just “forgetting things” like where you put your keys; it’s more serious and can interfere with daily life. People with dementia might struggle to remember names, conversations, or even what day it is. Over time, it can get harder to plan, make decisions, or recognize familiar people and places.There are different types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Each type has its own patterns, but they often share similar symptoms like confusion, mood swings, or trouble with speech.Dementia mostly affects older adults, but it’s not a normal part of aging. Some people in their 40s or 50s can get it too, though that’s less common. Things like family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lack of physical or mental activity can increase the risk.Recently, Dr Zayed Almadidy, MD, neurosurgeon shared a video where he has explained the different risk factors of dementia and how to prevent them.“Very often, as a neurosurgeon, people ask me, ‘What can I do to reduce my risk of developing Alzheimer’s?’ The CDC has found five different ways to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These are risk factors that have been clinically shown to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia,” he explained.The doctor lists 5 risk factors: tobacco and alcohol use, hearing loss, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes and lack of physical activity.

Lack of physical activity

Let’s start with exercise—or the lack of it. Not moving your body enough doesn’t just impact your heart and waistline; it also affects your brain. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory, and helps reduce inflammation. People who live mostly sedentary lives are more likely to face cognitive decline as they age. The fix? You don’t need to run marathons. Walking, swimming, dancing, or doing yoga a few times a week can make a big difference in keeping both your body and mind sharp.

Uncontrolled diabetes

If your blood sugar is all over the place, your brain may pay the price. Uncontrolled diabetes is a big risk factor for dementia. High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in your brain. That damage can lead to memory issues and increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Keeping diabetes in check with medication, healthy eating, and regular check-ups can really help protect your brain health.

High blood pressure

Think of your brain like a sponge, it needs a steady, healthy flow of blood to function well. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) can mess with that flow, putting strain on your blood vessels and increasing your risk of stroke, memory problems, and vascular dementia. The tricky part? High blood pressure often doesn’t cause symptoms, so many people don’t even know they have it. Getting regular blood pressure checks and managing it through diet, exercise, or medication can help protect your brain long-term.

Hearing loss

This one surprises a lot of people. Hearing loss, especially if left untreated, can increase your risk of dementia. Why? When your brain has to work harder to process sounds, it has less energy to focus on memory and thinking tasks. Plus, people with hearing problems often start to withdraw socially, which can lead to isolation—another dementia risk. If you’ve noticed your hearing slipping, don’t ignore it. Getting tested and using hearing aids if needed can really help.

Tobacco and alcohol use

Smoking and heavy drinking are both major risk factors for brain health. Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to the brain, while alcohol—especially in large amounts—can actually shrink brain tissue over time. Even moderate drinking may raise your risk if you’re already dealing with other health issues. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol (or avoiding it altogether) can do wonders not just for your brain but your whole body.While there’s currently no cure, early diagnosis and the right support can make a big difference. Medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes may help slow symptoms and improve quality of life. The doctor suggests physical activity, quitting smoking and alcohol, going for therapy, staying social and engaging in mentally stimulating exercises to prevent dementia risk.