Dementia Risk Score

Researchers have developed a dementia risk assessment score that may predict who is at highest risk of developing dementia as they age. The factors included in the rating system mirror those used to assess for cardiovascular disease risk and include high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol. They found that having one of these factors doubles the risk of developing dementia and that if all three of these risk factors are present the risk is increased six-fold.

While other factors such as age and heredity can contribute to the development of dementia controlling weight, blood pressure and cholesterol can make a difference.