Doctor warns of five 'sneaky' health problems that raise risk of dementia

An NHS doctor has warned of five "sneaky" health conditions that could mean you are at greater risk of dementia. According to the expert, these have been identified in research as contributing factors for cognitive decline.

It is thought more than 944,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, with this figure expected to rise. Dementia is a progressive condition, that can cause memory loss, behavioural changes, and even mobility issues alongside other difficult symptoms.

While your chances of getting dementia can be raised by your genetics and your age, around 45% of cases are affected by factors that could be influenced by lifestyle choices.

Speaking on social media platform TikTok, referenced a scientific study published last year.

Doctor Rajan, who is better known as Dr Raj, said: "If you want to reduce your risk of dementia, according to a , nearly half of dementias could theoretically be prevented by addressing 14 risk factors." Among these 14 factors are five "which more people should know about".

He continued: "But of these 14 risk factors, there are five particularly sneaky ones which more people should know about one." Dr Raj then detailed how to know if you are affected by these factors.

High cholesterol

More specifically, the study links high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with dementia. LDL cholesterol is also sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol and is responsible for the hardening and thickening of the arteries.

Dr Raj explained: "Excess brain cholesterol has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, and brain deposition of amyloid and tau protein." A build up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain are known to cause Alzheimer's disease.

"As someone who's over the age of 30 I now do annual blood test," Dr Raj continued. "Because on a random blood test when I was 28, I found out I had high cholesterol, which thankfully, I was able to treat with dietary changes."

One way to lower your cholesterol is by changing your diet to cut out saturated fats, found in butter, cheese and red meat. However, if your GP thinks your cholesterol is too high they may prescribe you with statins.

High blood pressure

Dr Raj recommended getting your blood pressure checked regularly for this reason. He said: "Many adults have high blood pressure but they remain unaware because they don't have any noticeable signs or symptoms.

"If you're 30 and over I suggest checking your blood pressure annually." Blood pressure can be lowered by reducing your salt intake as well as cutting back on alcohol and giving up smoking.

If you have high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, you should speak to your GP.

Hearing loss

It is not yet known exactly how your hearing affects your dementia risk but research has shown a definite link. Dr Raj said: "At the moment this seems to be more of an association with dementia rather than causation.

"We don't know if hearing loss contributes to dementia or the other way around, but hearing loss can lead to social isolation and or depression, both of which are risk factors for dementia. The good news is this can often be corrected with hearing aids."

Attending regular hearing tests can help you stay on top of your ear health.

Visual loss

Visual loss was a new addition to the Lancet study last year, raising your risk of dementia by 2%. "Not only is this an independent risk factor for dementia but could also be a clue of an underlying condition like diabetes," Dr Raj warned.

If you are concerned about your eyesight, you should book an appointment at the opticians.

Diabates

Finally, Dr Raj added: "Poor control of type 2 diabetes means a higher risk of dementia but catching things early often leads to better health outcomes. So if you're doing an annual blood test include an HBA1C, this is a marker of long-term blood glucose control."

According to The Lancet report, the other nine risk factors for dementia are:

• Less education in early life
• Depression
• Traumatic brain injury
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol
• Social isolation
• Air pollution.