A recent research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry was able to establish a strong correlation among dementia, depression and stroke. The findings of the research are extremely important, as they show how the risk factors for all three conditions are interlinked. As a result, reducing the risk for one of these conditions will also reduce the chances of the other two conditions arising. In this blog, we delve into key factors that can heighten the risk of dementia, depression, and stroke and offer you lifestyle hacks that can safeguard you from these conditions in the long run.

Factors That Raise The Risk Of Dementia, Depression & Stroke

Several health and lifestyle factors were found to be linked to the development of dementia, depression, and stroke, including:

• Consumption of alcohol
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Overweight
• High cholesterol level
• High blood sugar
• Poor or imbalanced diet
• Pain
• Stress
• Poor sleep
• Depressive symptoms
• Hearing loss

The positive aspect is that most of the above-related factors can be controlled, and making small changes, like lowering a couple of the risk factors, can make a big impact and give you a life of health and wellness.

Infact, researchers discovered that by controlling these modifiable risk factors for dementia, stroke and depression, you could reduce your chances of getting stroke by 60%, dementia by 45% and late-life depression by 35%.

Lifestyle Hacks That Can Reduce The Risk Of Dementia, Stroke & Depression:

Don’t let your brain go rusty – As we grow older, we often neglect the importance of keeping our brains stimulated and healthy, as we are busy with our regular lives. Research shows regular cognitive activities, such as reading, solving puzzles, or playing chess, can reduce the risk of brain-related diseases.

Have an active lifestyle – Keep your body and mind healthy by staying physically active. Physical activity can lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. Try to go on regular walks, exercise, or do yoga and meditation to reduce the risk of brain-related diseases.

Have a sense of purpose – Keep yourself goal-oriented and motivated through participating in activities that give you a sense of purpose, such as doing voluntary work, social community work, supporting causes, and so on.

Cut down your alcohol consumption – Studies have shown that consuming less than one drink a day has a higher benefit than consuming one to three drinks per day.

Ensure a healthy and balanced diet – Studies have shown that a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish and dairy lowers your risks of developing a brain-related condition, while a diet high in red meat, sugar, and too much salt increases the risk of these brain-related conditions.

Have a social life – Having a strong network of friends and family is good for the brain, as humans are social beings, and having strong personal and professional relationships paves the way to a less stressful and more meaningful life. 

The best part is that you can start over anytime to make lifestyle changes that improve your health. However, the best outcomes are shown when people start minimizing their risk factors in mid-life, in their 40s and 50s, so take charge now for a healthier life ahead.

Delmanor Elgin Mills – a partner of Vaughan Health & Wellness is a proud Canadian retirement institution that helps seniors stay healthy and active through assisted and independent living in Richmond Hill. Come, visit our boothl at the Health & Wellness Expo on 26 Oct 2025 at  Vellore Village Community Centre – 1 Villa Royale Ave, Woodbridge from 11am to 5pm. Admission is Free!