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

Plan your journey

If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.

Page last reviewed: June 23, 2025
Next review due: June 23, 2026