Dementia caregivers have modifiable risk factors increasing their own risk

Six in 10 dementia caregivers report having at least one modifiable risk factor that could increase their chances of developing dementia, as per a report released on June 12 by the Alzheimer’s Association.

The analysis was carried out by the Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction at the Alzheimer’s Association and the Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving at the University of Minnesota. The study included data from the 2021-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (47 states) and focused on six modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline: obesity, diabetes, poor sleep (less than six hours sleep), smoking, hypertension, and physical inactivity.

The results indicated that nearly one in four dementia caregivers (24.3%) reported having multiple risk factors for cognitive decline. Dementia caregivers were more likely than the general population to report obesity (8% higher), diabetes (12% higher), poor sleep (21% higher), smoking (30% higher), and hypertension (27% higher). However, physical inactivity was less likely among dementia caregivers (9% lower). Additionally, younger dementia caregivers (under 45 years) were particularly susceptible to having modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline, with a higher likelihood of having multiple risk factors compared to the general population.

“This analysis highlights the vulnerability of dementia caregivers,” stated Matthew Baumgart, senior vice president for health policy at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Dementia caregivers often neglect their own health while caring for a loved one, making them a high-risk group. This study should prompt public health initiatives to address caregiver health and support this at-risk population.”

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