Risk factors for dementia – information about lowering your risk of dementia

Reduce your risk of dementia

Your brain is your most valuable asset.

Being brain healthy is relevant at any age, whether you are young, old or in between. However, it is particularly important once you reach middle age as this is when changes start to occur in the brain.

The risk factors for dementia are different in everybody.

Your potential for developing dementia may be influenced by:

Non-modifiable risk factors are risks that cannot be changed, such as:

  • age – as you age, your risk of developing dementia increases 
  • genetics – there are a few very rare forms of dementia associated with specific genes
  • family history – a family history of dementia increases your risk of developing dementia but at this stage it is not clear why. 

Modifiable risk factors are risks that can be changed through lifestyle choices. You can reduce your risk of dementia by looking after your:

Whilst we cannot change getting older, genetics or family history, scientific research suggests that changing certain health and lifestyle habits may make a big difference to reducing or delaying your risk of developing dementia.

It’s never too early or too late to start.

Learn more about how to reduce the risk of dementia and explore our risk reduction resources.

To test and track your brain health, try our free BrainTrack app.

What to do if you’re concerned?

As you age, changes may occur in your brain that might affect your memory and thinking. This is normal. You may forget names, appointments, directions or lose things. 

If you or someone you know are experiencing memory or other changes that you are concerned about, visit ‘Worried about your memory?’ for online information.