Dementia is often associated with ageing, but cognitive decline that interferes with daily life should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of getting older. The condition can affect memory, communication, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
“Dementia can be defined as the decline in cognitive functioning of an individual due to abnormalities or damage in the brain. It leads to memory loss, confusion, communication difficulties, poor executive function and behaviour changes. Dementia is not considered to be part of normal ageing,” Dr Shah said.
High blood pressure is one of the important risk factors for vascular problems in the brain. When blood pressure remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can damage blood vessels and affect the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain.
“High blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’ and leads to a reduction of the blood supply to the brain, resulting in multiple small strokes and thus leading to vascular dementia,” Dr Shah explained.
Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, high LDL or cholesterol levels and previous brain injury.
Smoking can also affect the blood vessels that supply the brain. Chemicals present in cigarette smoke can damage the blood vessel lining and contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation.
“Smoking can contribute by damaging the blood vessels supplying the brain, raising the blood pressure levels in the process. Moreover, toxins found in cigarette smoke can damage the blood vessel lining,” Dr Shah said. He added that smoking-related oxidative stress and chronic inflammation may also contribute to changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol can affect vascular health and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. Over time, these changes may affect the brain’s blood supply and increase the risk of cognitive problems.
“There are a large number of factors which influence the blood supply and the vessels through which it passes. All of those factors result in a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain, thus causing chronic risks of developing dementia,” Dr Shah said.
Genetics can also influence an individual’s susceptibility. People with a family history of dementia may have a higher underlying risk, which can become more concerning when combined with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol.
While not every case of dementia can be prevented, addressing modifiable risk factors can support overall brain and vascular health. “Therefore, the three main lifestyle changes which will help prevent dementia are: quit smoking, control blood pressure and live a balanced life,” Dr Shah said.
A balanced lifestyle includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and appropriate management of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The key takeaway is that protecting brain health starts well before memory problems appear. Keeping cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors under control can be an important part of maintaining cognitive health as we age.
Dr. Arun B. Shah is the Director of the Department of Neurosciences at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital. He also leads the hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Centre and provides care through its Multiple Sclerosis and Memory Clinics. Dr. Shah completed his MBBS from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, in 1972. He later pursued an MD in Internal Medicine and DM in Neurology from the same institution.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
