🧠 Is Dementia Genetic?
When I was in elementary school, I heard that my grandmother had dementia.
Since then, a quiet worry followed me—
“Could this be genetic? Will my mother, now nearing 80, face the same thing?”
But according to Professor Sehee Jung from Seoul National University College of Medicine:
“Dementia is not a genetic disease. The more research we do, the clearer it becomes that it is a lifestyle-related condition.
How you live in midlife is especially important, and controlling risk factors can prevent dementia by up to 45%.”
🔟 Ten Factors That Influence Dementia
The major risk factors are:
- Age (Risk increases after 65)
- Chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia
- Lack of exercise
- Low mental stimulation
- Social isolation
- Poor sleep
- Smoking & excessive drinking
- Hearing loss
- Vision decline
- Traumatic brain injury
Most of these, especially between the ages of 40 and 60, are lifestyle related.
The hopeful part?
Dementia isn’t fate — it’s heavily shaped by how we live.
Midlife management matters more than anything.
🏃 Hopeful News for Runners
Studies show that even long-duration walking at high intensity
can suppress amyloid buildup — the harmful protein linked to dementia — by over 30%.
And if you’re running (which is even more intense than brisk walking),
your risk of dementia after 65 may be significantly reduced.
🍺 Those Scary Days After Heavy Drinking
Until my early 40s, there were days when I couldn’t remember anything after drinking.
Of course, the first thought the next morning was:
“Did I do something stupid…?”
But another quiet fear always followed:
“If I black out like this now… doesn’t that mean I might be at higher risk of dementia later?”
I started running for my physical health,
but now it has become a form of mental care — and an unexpected reassurance against dementia.
🤝 The Influence of Running Club Members
Running with my marathon club members, I often find myself inspired:
- Their consistency — showing up every single day
- Their discipline — sticking to training schedules with purpose
- Their self-management and almost monk-like restraint
Being around such people, I can’t help but think:
“I need to live with this level of commitment too.”
Starting running was a good decision,
but joining a club and running with great people in my 50s —
that feels like an even better one.
