Ways to reduce your risk of dementia

Risk factors associated with dementia

Nearly 1 in 2 dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by tackling the 14 risk factors.

Early life

In early life, the risk of getting dementia increases by:

• less education, 5%

Midlife

In midlife, the risk of getting dementia increases by:

• hearing loss, 7%
• high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 7%
• traumatic brain injury, 3%
• depression, 3%
• physical inactivity, 2%
• hypertension, 2%
• diabetes, 2%
• smoking, 2%
• obesity, 1%
• excessive alcohol, 1%

Later life

In later life, the risk of getting dementia increases by:

• social isolation, 5%
• air pollution, 3%
• visual loss, 2%

Learn about risk factors in dementia from the infographic on dementia prevention and intervention.

Handy tips to reduce your risk of getting dementia

• Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Exercise regularly: Move more, sit less. Activities such as walking, swimming, gardening, cycling, yoga, tai chi, dancing.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use: If you drink regularly, avoid drinking heavily over a short space of time.
• Take care of your hearing and eyesight: Have regular eye tests and use hearing aids if needed.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Prioritise sleep and establish a regular sleep pattern.
• Manage your overall health: Control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Have regular health screenings, manage chronic medical conditions.
• Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that challenge your brain such as reading, learning a new skill, playing games, puzzles or take up a new hobby.
• Stay socially connected: Have regular contact with family and friends, engage in social activities, joining clubs, volunteering.

Here are some useful resources to help keep you healthy:

• Rotherham Council activity directory offers help on keeping active
• Connect Healthcare offers free health checks
• RotherHive and Healthwave offer a wide range of health advice
• Primary ear care and audiology and Rotherham Council provide support for hearing and sight loss
• NHS Yorkshire Smoke Free, Rotherham Hospital Tobacco Treatment team, and Rotherham Healthwave offer support in stopping smoking
• We are with you support you to cut alcohol and drug use

Page last reviewed: August 11, 2025
Next review due: August 11, 2026