\u201cIt\u2019s all statistical, but we could perhaps decrease the risk of people developing dementia,\u201d Shnall said last week in an interview with the Toronto Sun. \u201cWe know more about it.<\/a> We\u2019re on the right path, so this is a lot more hopeful than years past.\u201d<\/p>\n As World Alzheimer\u2019s Day arrives on Monday<\/a>, here is a look at some of the risk factors of the disease and tips that caregivers can use to prepare themselves to look after a loved one:<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n According to Dr. Howard Chertkow, senior scientist at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, \u201chalf of the burden\u201d of developing dementia is genetic.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the most part, it\u2019s not like you get one bad gene (and) you\u2019re going to get Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s a very small group of people in which this is true, but for the vast majority, that\u2019s not how it works.\u201d<\/p>\n Instead, lifestyle choices can help mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s or other types of dementia, he said. They include:<\/p>\n \u2014 Protect your vascular supply by avoiding smoking and reducing your cholesterol;<\/p>\n \u2014 Set aside about 150 minutes a week for vigorous exercise, which Chertkow compared to \u201crunning to the point where you can\u2019t have an easy conversation with someone.\u201d But if running isn\u2019t your idea of fun, try something else: Go to the gym, swim, ride a bike;<\/p>\n \u2014 Improve your health by incorporating the mind diet or the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes less red meat and more fish, dairy, poultry, healthy fats, green leafy vegetables, olive oil and whole grains;<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u2014 Prioritizing social and cognitive stimulation;<\/p>\n \u2014 Get treated for depression and avoid too much alcohol and cannabis.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play VideoTips for caregivers<\/p>\n Shnall suggested caregivers follow the same suggestions as they are six times more likely to develop dementia than those who don\u2019t care for someone with the disease.<\/p>\n \u201cIt depends on the person,\u201d Shnall said, \u201cbut what\u2019s crucial is that self-care is not a luxury and a nice-to-have thing to look after ourselves; it\u2019s imperative.\u201d<\/p>\n As well:<\/p>\n \u2014 Use free day programs to get some time for yourself;<\/p>\n \u2014 Arrange for other family members or friends to spell you when you are overwhelmed;<\/p>\n \u2014 Take the dog for a walk with a neighbour or do something else you find meaningful;<\/p>\n \u2014 Try deep-breathing exercises.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n 6 sneaky signs of hearing loss and what you can do about it<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Dr-Howard-Chertkow-scaled-e1789949018123.jpg\")
Dr. Howard Chertkow. Photo by BaycrestRisk factors for developing dementia<\/p>\n![\"Loading...\"](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/22.1.1\/websites\/images\/common\/icon-spinner-animated.svg\"){kind=icon}
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