Lowering Your Dementia Risk

Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. The 2024 Lancet Commission found that about 45% of dementia is linked to 14 risk factors that can be changed. Acting on them can prevent or delay dementia. It’s never too early or too late to start.

The 14 risk factors. Early life: less education. Midlife: hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, head injury, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and too much alcohol. Later life: social isolation, air pollution and untreated vision loss.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Strong evidenceTreat high blood pressureAim for a top (systolic) reading of 130 or less from about age 40. Lowering blood pressure reduces dementia risk in trials.
• Moderate evidenceHearing aids, if you have hearing lossHearing loss is one of the two biggest risk factors. Wearing hearing aids is linked with lower risk.
• Moderate evidenceLower high LDL ("bad") cholesterolThe other biggest risk factor, from midlife. Diet and, where needed, statins lower it.
• Moderate evidenceBe physically activeLinked with lower risk. Aim for 150 minutes a week; any amount helps.
• Moderate evidenceStop smokingLowers risk at any age, even later in life.
• Moderate evidenceManage diabetes, weight and alcoholKeep blood sugar in range, and drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week.
• Limited evidenceTreat depression and lonelinessBoth are linked with higher risk. Stay connected: clubs, volunteering, family, learning something new.
• Limited evidenceGet vision problems treatedGlasses and cataract surgery are linked with lower risk.
• Limited evidenceBrain-training appsYou get better at the games, but there is little evidence they prevent dementia. Learning real-world skills is a better use of time.
• Not recommendedSupplementsGinkgo, fish oil, vitamin E and "brain health" supplements don’t prevent dementia in trials.

What you can do

• Ask your GP for a heart health check (from age 45, or 30 for First Nations people) to check blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Have your hearing and eyes tested. Eligible pensioners and veterans can get free hearing aids through the government Hearing Services Program.
• Wear a helmet for cycling and riding, and take head injuries seriously.
• Avoid smoke and traffic fumes where you can. Check your personal risk score at health.gov.au/dementia.

See your GP if

• You or others notice worsening memory, getting lost in familiar places, trouble managing money or medicines, or personality changes
• You have trouble hearing conversations or seeing clearly
• Low mood or loneliness is affecting you

Call 000 for sudden confusion, face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech. See a doctor the same day for confusion after a head injury. For memory concerns or support, call the free National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24/7).

Evidence and more information

• The Lancet: Dementia prevention, 2024 Commission report (open access)
• Dementia Australia: How can I reduce the risk of dementia?
• Australian Government: Dementia risk at age 50

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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