Use this Dementia calculator to predict your risk of being diagnosed
Canadian researchers have created an online tool that predicts the likelihood of dementia based on lifestyle choices and environmental experience - and now you can try it out for yourself.
Around 900,000 people are living with dementia in the UK - a figure which is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040 - but with the latest device individuals can make adjustments to lower their risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease.
The calculator, created by researchers at the University of Ottawa, is able to predict the probability of an individual developing dementia in a five-year time frame. It is designed for those aged over 55, and asks questions about existing health conditions, diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking status to generate the results.
Participants will also be asked about the number of languages spoken, educational status and if they feel a sense of belonging.
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Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decadeResearchers say the tool can indicate whether someone is at high risk of brain disease, and people can adjust their lifestyle choices to reduce such probability. By taking the five to 10-minute test you could find out if you are at risk of developing the debilitating condition.
The dementia calculator is based on data from the Statistics Canada Canadian Community Health Surveys of 75,000 people. Experts stated the tool can be adapted to over 100 countries worldwide.
What is dementia? Early signs and symptoms
Dementia is a group of symptoms associated with a decline in brain function, affecting one in 14 people over the age of 65, and one in six over 80. According to the NHS, the most common early symptoms to look out for include memory loss, such as forgetting events or repeating sentences during a conversation.
Another early sign is confusion, such as struggling to find the right words when talking, being unsure of the correct change when shopping, or finding it difficult to ascertain time and place.
A third is struggling to concentrate , as patients find it hard to follow a conversation, with a reduced change in thinking speed, mental sharpness, and quickness.
Other early symptoms include mood changes and difficulty carrying out familiar daily tasks. The NHS has stated that anyone who finds themselves becoming increasingly forgetful should talk to their GP about the early signs of dementia, particularly those over the age of 65.
Risk factors for dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society suggests that around 40 percent of dementia cases may be the result of 13 key modifiable risk factors. These include:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Smoking
Diabetes
Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says reportObesity
Lack of physical activity
Poor diet
High alcohol consumption
Low levels of cognitive engagement
Depression
Traumatic brain injury
Hearing loss
Social isolation
Air pollution
It’s not too late to make changes that will maintain and improve your brain health, such as physical activity and social interaction. However, there are a number of factors that you can’t control, including age and sex - women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men.
Some medical conditions can also increase your chances of the condition, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and HIV.