10 Practical Ways to Manage Dementia Risk Factors

7. Smoking

Smokers have a significantly higher risk of dementia than nonsmokers, thanks to the habit's wide-ranging side effects. A review of 50,000 men over the age of 60 showed that stopping smoking for over four years substantially reduced the chances of dementia in the following eight years. Additional research shows that nicotine may improve the memories of people with dementia, suggesting that nicotine patches are an acceptable substitute for smoking in terms of dementia prevention.