Table 5.

Risk and protective factors for dementia.

Risk Factors	Protective Factors
▪ Age	▪ Genetic factors: some mutations in the Amyloid Precursor Protein gene, APOE ε2 allele
▪ Genetic factors: familial predisposition, APOE ε4 allele, other genes	▪ Lifestyle factors: education, intellectual work, extensive social contacts, mental stimulation, physical activity
▪ Vascular and metabolic factors: arteriosclerosis, stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol in middle age	▪ Diet: low alcohol, Mediterranean diet, unsaturated fats, oils, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D
▪ Lifestyle factors: smoking, inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption	▪ Medications: antihypertensives, statins, hormone replacement therapy, NSAIDs
▪ Diet: saturated fats, hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin deficiency
▪ Other factors: depression, trauma, toxic effects, infectious diseases