Predicting Dementia Risk

New research highlights innovative methods for predicting the risk of developing dementia years in advance, without relying on genetic tests. A study conducted by RAND analyzed lifestyle factors in midlife, revealing that characteristics such as lack of exercise, obesity, and inadequate engagement in hobbies could serve as predictors. Interestingly, they discovered that nearly 29% of individuals later diagnosed with dementia were already exhibiting symptoms earlier in their lives, such as asking for help with financial matters. This approach emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in midlife to potentially delay the onset of dementia, with 181 risk factors identified that individuals can proactively modify.