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In groundbreaking findings, researchers from the Lawson Research Institute and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry have revealed that up to half of dementia cases in Canada could be prevented through lifestyle changes. The study underscores the potential of four simple and low-cost interventions to drastically reduce the risk of developing dementia: regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, and addressing hearing loss.
The research, led by Surim Son, a Ph.D. candidate at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, is the first Canadian study to examine the impact of 12 modifiable risk factors on dementia. Published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, the study builds on earlier global findings but highlights that Canadians face unique risks due to higher rates of inactivity, obesity, and hypertension.
“We’re not saying lifestyle changes are a magic pill, but they offer a powerful way to reduce the overall risk of dementia,” said Son. “This could bring significant health benefits and relieve pressure on Canadian health systems.”
The “Dirty Dozen” Risk Factors
The study examined data from 30,000 Canadians over 45 years old, identifying 12 key factors that influence dementia risk. Ranked in order of impact, these are:
- Physical inactivity
- Hearing loss
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Traumatic brain injury
- Depression
- Limited early-life education
- Sleep disturbances
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Social isolation
Uniquely, the study is the first globally to include sleep disruption as a modifiable risk factor.
Canada’s Elevated Risk
The findings show that Canadian rates of lifestyle-related risks are higher than global averages, with four out of five older adults not exercising regularly and one in three grappling with obesity or hypertension.
Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso, a co-author of the study and director of the Brain & Gait Lab at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute, stressed the empowering nature of the findings: “Dementia doesn’t have to be your destiny, even if you have genetic predispositions. Almost everyone can adjust their lifestyle to improve their cognitive resilience.”
A Call to Action
The study’s implications extend beyond individual health. It is being used by the Public Health Agency of Canada to guide health policy, signaling a potential shift toward prevention-focused strategies.
Montero-Odasso’s advice is simple but impactful: “Go out for a walk and keep moving. Get a hearing assessment. Keep your blood pressure in check. These steps are easy, affordable, and beneficial not just for brain health but for overall well-being.”
Global Context
This Canadian study builds on a 2017 Lancet paper that found 40% of global dementia cases could be linked to modifiable factors. However, the higher rates of lifestyle-related risks in Canada suggest an even greater opportunity for intervention and prevention.
As researchers continue to uncover the connections between lifestyle and dementia, the message is clear: while there is no cure for dementia, prevention through everyday habits offers a promising path forward.
For more information:
S. Son et al, Potentially Modifiable Dementia Risk Factors in Canada: An Analysis of Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with a Multi-Country Comparison, The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (2024). DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2024.105
