International Researchers Identify Five Early Risk Factors for Dementia
An international research team led by Northumbria University developed a method to estimate the risk of dementia within three years, relying on lifestyle and functional assessments rather than complex medical examinations.
The study examined data from 11,143 individuals aged 65 and older across seven countries, including China, Mexico, and Peru. Over the course of the research period, 1,069 participants developed dementia. The resulting risk score evaluates five specific factors that can be reviewed during a conversation about health and daily life.
Age and Blood Pressure Drive Brain Health Risks
Age emerged as the primary predictor in the model. The risk of developing dementia increases as one gets older, with a sharper acceleration starting at age 80, though advanced age does not make a diagnosis inevitable. Alongside age, researchers identified high blood pressure as an important factor. Prolonged high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including the small blood vessels in the brain, making monitoring and treating high blood pressure important.
Daily Habits and Social Ties Protect Cognitive Health
The evaluation also incorporates daily habits such as physical movement and social connectivity. Regular activity—ranging from formal exercise to routine household chores, gardening, and walking—correlates with slower cognitive decline, supported by an analysis of 104 studies. Similarly, frequent contact with family, friends, and community groups associates with a lower risk of cognitive impairment. A separate analysis of 32 studies indicated that socially active individuals experience a 19 percent lower risk of developing dementia.
Changes in Financial Management Signal Early Cognitive Shift
Among the most striking findings in the evaluation is difficulty managing personal finances. Researchers noted that trouble paying bills, calculating sums, or keeping track of income and expenses can serve as an early sign of cognitive decline. This marker applies specifically to individuals who previously performed these financial tasks without issue, though researchers emphasize that stress, fatigue, and other circumstances can also cause temporary disruptions in money management.
Model Limitations and Clinical Outlook
Because the predictive tool was built using data from seven low- and middle-income countries, investigators stress that its accuracy for older adults in the Netherlands remains unverified. Consequently, the scoring method currently serves as an instrument for scientific research, such as selecting participants for future studies, rather than a test for individual use. Health professionals recommend that anyone noticing persistent difficulties with daily tasks, such as managing finances or remembering appointments, should consult a general practitioner.