Top Dementia Risk Factor for Koreans is 'Education Level'… Growing Importance of Preventive Management
Recent research findings indicate that the primary risk factors for dementia vary from country to country. In particular, South Korea shows differences in the priority areas that need to be managed for dementia prevention compared to other nations, requiring careful attention.
According to data released by researchers, the number one modifiable risk factor for dementia in South Korea is 'less than secondary education.' This is followed by high blood pressure, smoking, depression, and vision loss as major risk factors.
On the other hand, in the United States, high blood pressure and smoking have been identified as the greatest risk factors for dementia. As lifestyle habits and social environments differ by country, there is a growing call for customized dementia prevention strategies tailored to each nation's specific situation.
Experts emphasize that dementia is not simply a result of aging, but a condition that can be sufficiently managed in daily life. In particular, practicing the management of education levels, blood pressure, and smoking cessation—which are important for Koreans—can be of great help in lowering the incidence of dementia.
In conclusion, to prevent dementia, it is important to regularly check one's health status and make efforts to detect and manage risk factors early. This study is expected to serve as an important foundational resource for establishing dementia prevention guidelines specialized for Koreans.