Dementia is a set of symptoms caused by brain damage such as memory loss and mental or reasoning problems.

The condition is normally linked to elderly people but it isn’t a normal part of ageing. 

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy outlines everything you should know about dementia and its risks factors.

As you age, the more likely you are to develop dementia.

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According to the doctor, age is the greatest risk factor for dementia over hypertension and living a sedentary lifestyle.

There is no one age group which dementia affects, but two in 100 people between the ages of 65 and 69 years will have dementia, as compared to 1 out of 5 people between the ages 85 to 89 years.

Although this condition becomes much more common as we age, it can also affect younger people.

Dementia is not an unavoidable result of aging, there are other factors as well that increase your risk.

While much of your risk for dementia is due to your genes and family history, about a third of your risk for dementia is made up of modifiable risk factors.

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Dr Lee said:

In the beginning, a healthy and balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables can help.

The expert added:

To lower your risk of dementia, you should try to keep your weight in the healthy range (BMI 21-25).

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Dr Lee also recommends taking regular exercise – at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise – and reducing your alcohol intake so you only drink within recommended limits.

Quitting smoking is another way you can reduce your risk.

The doctors noted keeping your blood pressure well-controlled (which all of the above will help) is very important when it comes to preventing dementia.

Other factors that may also be important, according to Dr Lee, include:

• Having a regular hearing test and treating hearing loss
• Keeping socially active and avoiding becoming lonely
• Don’t be sedentary – get active – avoid sitting still for long periods
• If you are depressed – get this treated

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