Can dementia be prevented? Expert explains key risk factors and warning signs

The number of people developing dementia worldwide each year could more than double by 2050, according to a new study. Researchers project that annual cases will rise from nearly 11 million in 2023 to almost 25 million by 2050, largely driven by ageing populations. Alzheimer's disease accounts for up to 70 percent of dementia cases, while scientists estimate that a significant proportion could be prevented or delayed by addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and hearing loss. Women face a higher risk of developing dementia, and low- and middle-income countries are expected to experience particularly sharp increases. Dr Ivan Koychev, a neuroscientist and Clinical Associate Professor in Neuropsychiatry at Imperial College London, tells Al Jazeera that managing cardiovascular health, staying physically and socially active, and maintaining intellectual engagement can help reduce the risk. He also explains the possible role of hormonal changes in women's increased risk, identifies early warning signs such as memory loss and changes in thinking, and stresses the importance of seeking medical assessment when symptoms appear.

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