No one can promise they will, or will not, get dementia. But research has found habits and health conditions that are linked to risk, and many of them can be changed.
What the research says
A major 2024 review, the Lancet Commission, named 14 risk factors that can be changed. It estimated that addressing all of them could prevent or delay up to about 45 out of every 100 cases worldwide.
That is an estimate for whole populations, not a promise for one person. The National Institute on Aging describes the evidence for most lifestyle steps as encouraging but not yet conclusive.
Best supported so far
A review by the National Academies found encouraging, but not conclusive, evidence for three things:
- Keeping high blood pressure under control
- Being physically active
- Cognitive training, which means exercises that practice thinking skills
Other risk factors on the list
These have also been linked to dementia risk:
- Hearing loss that is not treated. In one large study, hearing aids slowed the decline in thinking for older adults at higher risk.
- Vision loss that is not treated
- Smoking and heavy drinking
- Diabetes, obesity and high “bad” (LDL) cholesterol
- Depression and social isolation
- Head injuries and air pollution
- Less time in school early in life
Things to try
- Move your body most days. A daily walk counts.
- Have your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked, and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Have your hearing and eyesight checked, and use hearing aids or glasses if you need them.
- Stay in touch with people. Call a friend, join a group, or volunteer.
- Keep learning and keep your mind busy.
- Protect your head. Wear a helmet and make your home safer to prevent falls.
What does not work
No single food, vitamin or supplement has been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Be careful with products that promise to.
If you want to start somewhere, pick one thing from the list. Talk to your doctor about the rest.