Can Dementia Be Prevented? What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

Written By Megan Taylor

by Dr. AllisonMiddleman

Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors across the lifespan. 

A major report from \ The Lancet Commission identified 14 risk factors that we can influence  - many of theseclosely tied to heart and metabolic health. Additional research is being done on potential dementia risks related to  fatty liver (MASLD), poor sleep, chronic inflammation, and the gut microbiomeThis research shows us that while dementia is complexand genetics do play a role, we can focus on the risk factors that we can control as individuals to modify our chance of developing dementia. 

Brain health starts decades before symptoms of dementia appear. Midlife in particular is a crucial window for improving health status and reducing one’s dementia risk. 

So, what can you focus on changing in your life to potentially lower your risk of dementia?

Below are the 14 modifiable risk factors for developing dementia. I invite you to review this list and identify areas that you can optimize your own health and lifestyle habits to therefore lower your lifetime dementia risks.

The 14 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia

Early Life

  • Less education

Midlife (especially important window)

  • Hearing loss

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Obesity

  • High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

  • Traumatic brain injury

Later Life (and across adulthood)

  • Smoking

  • Depression

  • Physical inactivity

  • Diabetes

  • Excessive alcohol use (more than 21 drinks/week)

  • Air pollution exposure

  • Social isolation

  • Untreated vision loss

What are some examples of ways you can shift these risk factors for yourself?

Shift your lifestyle to support brain health. This might look like:  

  • Get regular exercise

  • Avoid processed foods

  • Eat a diet high in fiber

Work with your doctor to 

  • Control blood pressure

  • Optimize blood sugar

  • Lower high cholesterol. 

  • We often talk about these factors as contributing to risk of stroke or heart attack, but dementia should be an aspect of this conversation as well. High blood pressure in midlife is one of the strongest modifiable risks! 

The research continues to unfold, but it is clear there is so much we can do now to support your health and lower your overall risks. If you’d like support in making a clear plan to lower your dementia risks, I invite you to schedule a visit with myself or one of the other providers in the clinic today. 

See you in clinic, 

Dr. Middleman

Megan Taylor
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