Insight: Understanding Dementia – Factors that contribute to its development

The exact causes of dementia are not fully understood, but a number of factors are thought to play a role, including:

Age: The risk of dementia increases significantly with age.
Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing dementia.
Brain injury: A traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of dementia.
Stroke: Strokes can damage brain cells and lead to dementia.
Vascular disease: Diseases that affect blood flow to the brain, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, can increase the risk of dementia.
Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, and alcohol abuse can also increase the risk of dementia.

It is not clear why some people develop dementia and others do not. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may be involved.