From the Research
The largest risk factors for Alzheimer's dementia by percentage include midlife obesity, physical inactivity, and low educational attainment, with approximately 1 in 3 cases associated with 8 modifiable risk factors. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, midlife obesity is the most prominent modifiable risk factor, accounting for 17.7% of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) cases, followed by physical inactivity (11.8%) and low educational attainment (11.7%).
Key Risk Factors
- Midlife obesity: 17.7% of ADRD cases
- Physical inactivity: 11.8% of ADRD cases
- Low educational attainment: 11.7% of ADRD cases Other notable risk factors include depression, social isolation, and hearing loss, which can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 20-90% depending on the severity of the condition.
Additional Risk Factors
- Depression: approximately 20-25% increased risk
- Social isolation: 50-60% increased risk
- Hearing loss: up to 90% increased risk with severe hearing impairment Addressing these modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, heart-healthy diet, blood pressure management, diabetes control, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation could potentially reduce Alzheimer's risk by 30-40% collectively 1.