Dementia risks and prevention quiz

D: Any age

Changes in the brain that may lead to dementia can begin decades before signs or symptoms appear.

Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. Staying healthy is good for your body and your brain now, and it may make a difference for your brain health in the long term.

True

Most cases of dementia are not related to genetics. While there are genetic forms of dementia, these are extremely rare (about 1% of all people living with dementia). Even when there is a genetic risk, it is still possible to reduce overall risk.

Adopting healthy behaviours throughout life may help prevent or delay the onset of dementia symptoms.

D: All of the above

There are many things you can do to help lower the risk of developing dementia.

Limit alcohol use.  Try having no-alcohol days or replacing alcoholic beverages with sparkling water with a splash of natural fruit juices. Get enough restful sleep – that’s about seven to nine hours for healthy adults.  Protect your head to avoid brain injuries – wear a helmet for activities such as cycling, skiing or skating.  

True

Dementia can affect anyone. You do not need to have a family history to develop dementia. In fact, most cases of dementia aren’t related to genetics.

A healthy lifestyle, including preventing and managing obesity and diabetes, as well as socializing often with friends and other members of your community, may all help reduce the risk of dementia.

C: 60%

Obesity increases the risk of dementia by 60%. Obesity can lead to chronic conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure which are also linked with a higher risk of dementia.

Reaching and staying at a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing these conditions, and may help reduce the risk of dementia, too.

True

You can’t see the impact of exercise on your brain as easily as you can see it with your body. However, physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and that can help keep your brain cells healthy.

Go for a brisk walk, or dance in your living room to get your heart rate going. Fuelling your body and brain with a well-balanced diet will also help to keep you going strong.

True

Research shows that people who smoke have a 60% increased risk of developing dementia.

Avoiding smoking is one way to help reduce your risk of dementia and stopping smoking, even in later life, may also help to reduce this risk.

D: All of the above

Decreasing your exposure to air pollution when possible, protecting yourself from hearing loss by wearing ear protection when you can't avoid excessive noise, and preventing and managing health conditions like high blood pressure may help reduce the risk of dementia.

True

Research shows that people who have diabetes or high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing dementia (50% and 60% respectively).

Being physically active, having a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep and reducing stress can all help to prevent or manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that are linked to a higher risk of dementia.

False

There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are actions that may help to reduce the risk.

A healthy lifestyle, including challenging your brain by engaging in new activities like learning a new dance routine, reading a book on a new topic or a new language can help reduce the risk of dementia.