HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Dementia
What Increases Your Risk
Aging is the main risk factor for all types of dementia. Some diseases that cause dementia (such as early-onset Reference Alzheimer's disease Opens New Window and some Reference frontotemporal dementias Opens New Window) may run in families.
You have a greater chance of developing Reference vascular dementia Opens New Window if you:
- Are male.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have had a heart attack.
- Have Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window, a buildup of fat and calcium in the arteries, which can lead to Reference coronary artery disease Opens New Window.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high cholesterol.
- Have had a stroke or Reference transient ischemic attack (TIA) Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 11, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
