Reduce your risk
Make positive changes to reduce your risk of dementia and improve your brain health.
Studies show that making positive changes can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The World Health Organization has twelve, evidence-based recommendations to reduce your risk of cognitive decline. They are:
- Quit smoking
- Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid excessive drinking
- Spend time with others and be socially active
- Take care of your mental health and seek help if you feel depressed
- Engage in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles or memory games
- Stay physically active
- Eat a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, with healthy foods
- Take care of your weight by eating well and staying active
- Control high blood pressure
- Keep your cholesterol levels under control
- Manage diabetes properly
- Protect your hearing and address any hearing problems you may have.
Recent studies have found it is also important to correct any visual problems.
It is important to look after your brain health from mid-life to reduce your risk of future dementia, but it is never too early, or too late to look after your brain for better cognitive health!
Ask a GP and other healthcare professionals for personalised advice about reducing your dementia risk and taking care of your brain health.
You can also complete an online assessment of your dementia risk. The Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk (CogDrisk) Assessment Tool was developed by NeuRA and the University of NSW. Recommendations used in the CogDrisk Assessment Tool are based on current research as well as national and international Guidelines.
