Even though there is a not a definitive blueprint for preventing dementia yet, researchers have found links between the condition and other health factors that can increase the likelihood you can develop dementia. By knowing what those are, you can take steps to decrease the likelihood that you will have dementia. Here are some health factors with possible links to dementia that you should know. 

Your Weight

In the past, it was thought that being overweight was a health factor that could contribute to the development of dementia. In a recent study though, researchers found that being overweight could possibly protect you from developing dementia. In fact, researchers found that participants who were considered to be underweight were at an increased risk.

The results from this study do not necessarily mean  you should try and pack on the pounds to protect yourself from dementia. However, researchers believe that the results can be crucial in finding new ways to treat the condition.

Your Dental Health

Poor dental health has been linked to many other health conditions in the past and researchers now believe it is connected to dementia. In one study, researchers found that a bacteria that leads to the development of gum disease also was present in some of the participants who developed dementia. 

Researchers also believe that tooth loss has a possible link with dementia. One study found that people who had an increased risk of developing dementia had fewer teeth than others.

As a result of these studies, researchers believe that regular visits to the family dentist for checkups and good hygienic practices at home can lead to a reduced risk of developing dementia. 

If you have questions about any dental hygiene habits, contact a dentist from a practice like West Lakes Family Dentistry.

Your Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar has also been linked with a host of other health problems, including dental issues. Researchers found in one study that mice with high blood sugar had increased production rates of beta-amyloid. The protein is believed to be one of the possible causes of the development of dementia. High blood sugar can also help to exacerbate the symptoms of Alzheimer's. 

If you have diabetes, regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels, taking your medication as prescribed, and leading a healthy lifestyle can possibly help to lower your risk of having dementia. If you do not have diabetes, it is important that you have annual health screenings to monitor your blood sugar levels. 

Talk to your health care providers, such as your dentist, for other ways you can lower your risk of having dementia.