Dementia in Ghana - a public health concern silently ignored? | 3News.com

There are many risk factors for dementia, including age, hypertension, and diabetes.

Risk Factors for Dementia in Ghana

There are many risk factors for dementia, including age, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Age is the strongest risk factor for dementia; the prevalence doubles every 5 years after the age of 65

Hypertension is another major risk factor for dementia; it is thought to contribute to small vessel disease in the brain, which can lead to cognitive decline

Studies have shown that people with diabetes have a 65% higher risk of developing dementia than those without diabetes.Diabetes is also a risk factor for dementia; studies have shown that people with diabetes have a 65% higher risk of developing dementia than those without diabetes

Smoking is also a risk factor for dementia; smokers are more likely to develop vascular dementia than non-smokers