Understanding dementia has evolved significantly over the past several decades. Researchers now know that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia develop due to a complex interaction of genetics, health conditions, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.
While scientists have not yet discovered a way to completely prevent Alzheimer’s disease, growing evidence suggests that certain health and lifestyle factors may influence a person’s overall risk. Addressing these factors throughout life may help support long-term brain health and potentially delay the onset of dementia for some individuals.
In 2024, the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care released updated findings identifying 14 modifiable risk factors that are associated with dementia risk across the lifespan. Researchers estimate that addressing these factors could potentially delay or reduce up to 45% of dementia cases globally.
These factors occur at different stages of life and reflect the growing understanding that brain health is influenced throughout our lifetime.
Early Life
Education and Cognitive Development: Access to education in early life helps build cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to adapt and compensate for changes over time. Lifelong learning and mental stimulation may help strengthen this resilience.
Midlife
Hearing Health: Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased cognitive strain and reduced social interaction. Addressing hearing loss with hearing aids or other interventions may help maintain cognitive engagement.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain. Managing cardiovascular health through medical care, diet, and physical activity supports both heart and brain function.
Weight and Metabolic Health: Obesity in midlife has been associated with increased dementia risk. Maintaining overall metabolic health may support healthy brain aging.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Head injuries, particularly repeated injuries, can increase the likelihood of cognitive changes later in life. Preventing head injuries and using protective equipment when appropriate is important.
Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use can affect brain structure and function. Moderation supports both neurological and overall health.
Cholesterol Levels: The 2024 research added high LDL cholesterol as a risk factor. Managing cholesterol levels may help protect the blood vessels that supply the brain.
Later Life
Smoking: Smoking contributes to inflammation and vascular damage, both of which can affect brain health.
Depression: Mental health plays an important role in cognitive wellbeing. Addressing depression through treatment and support may benefit overall brain function.
Physical Activity: Regular physical movement supports circulation, cardiovascular health, and brain connectivity.
Diabetes: Diabetes can affect blood vessels and metabolism in ways that impact the brain. Managing blood sugar levels is important for long-term health.
Social Connection: Strong social relationships help stimulate the brain and support emotional wellbeing. Social isolation has been linked to increased dementia risk.
Vision Health: New research also highlights untreated vision loss as a potential risk factor. Maintaining eye health may support cognitive engagement.
Environmental Exposure: Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with changes in brain health, emphasizing the role environmental factors may play.
A Lifelong Approach to Brain Health
These findings reinforce an important message: brain health is influenced throughout life. Education, cardiovascular health, social connection, sensory health, and lifestyle habits all contribute to how our brains function over time.
While these factors do not determine whether someone will develop dementia, addressing them may help support healthier aging and potentially delay cognitive decline.
As research continues to advance, understanding how to support brain health across the lifespan remains one of the most promising areas in dementia science. To learn more about the steps you can take to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit the CDC’s website located here – then stop by our Memory Care page to see how we can further assist.