Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency in elderly individuals around the world, affecting their physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being as well as that of their caretakers and families. Early understanding of the risk factors of dementia is crucial to preventing the disease. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the incidence of dementia. This study was a non-experimental research study with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of elderly individuals within the special capital region of Jakarta, and a sample of 106 subjects was acquired through multistage random sampling. A meaningful correlation was found between age, Instrumental Activity Daily Living, and a history of high cholesterol with the incidence of dementia (p=0.039, p=0.041, and p=0.042). The history of high cholesterol was the most significant risk factor (p=0.042 and odds ratio=3.2). A history of high cholesterol is a major risk factor for dementia. Thus, elderly individuals could enhance their quality of life by reducing their intake of high cholesterol foods, having regular cholesterol screenings, and doing physical exercise.