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Dementia guide

Lowering your risk

The 14 risk factors research says we can change — at any age.

In 2024, the Lancet Commission on dementia — a group of leading international experts — identified 14 risk factors that people and societies can change. Together, they estimate that nearly half of dementia cases worldwide might be prevented or delayed if these were fully addressed.

This is a population estimate, not a promise to any one person. Some people do everything “right” and still develop dementia — it is never a personal failing. But these steps also protect the heart, mood and independence, so they are worth doing at any age.

The 14 risk factors

Tick the ones you'd like to work on. Nothing is saved or sent.

Early life

Midlife

Later life

You've picked 0. Start with one — small steps add up.

What the trials show

Blood pressure control

Moderate evidence

In the SPRINT MIND trial, intensive blood pressure control lowered the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Structured healthy-lifestyle programs

Promising

Trials combining exercise, diet, brain training and heart-health checks, such as FINGER in Finland and U.S. POINTER, found modest benefits for thinking.

Hearing aids

Promising

Hearing loss is one of the largest single risk factors. In the ACHIEVE trial, hearing aids slowed thinking decline in older adults already at higher risk.

Exercise

Moderate evidence

Regular physical activity is linked with lower dementia risk and better thinking; it also helps mood and balance. Tai chi and Baduanjin are gentle ways to start.

“Brain games” and supplements

Limited research

There's no good evidence that commercial brain-training games or supplements prevent dementia. Save your money for hearing aids and walking shoes.

Sources

Reviewed September 2026. Education only — not medical, legal or financial advice.