In 2024, the Lancet Commission on dementia — a group of leading international experts — identified 14 risk factors that people and societies can change. Together, they estimate that nearly half of dementia cases worldwide might be prevented or delayed if these were fully addressed.
The 14 risk factors
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Early life
Midlife
Later life
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What the trials show
Blood pressure control
Moderate evidenceIn the SPRINT MIND trial, intensive blood pressure control lowered the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Structured healthy-lifestyle programs
PromisingTrials combining exercise, diet, brain training and heart-health checks, such as FINGER in Finland and U.S. POINTER, found modest benefits for thinking.
Hearing aids
PromisingHearing loss is one of the largest single risk factors. In the ACHIEVE trial, hearing aids slowed thinking decline in older adults already at higher risk.
Exercise
Moderate evidenceRegular physical activity is linked with lower dementia risk and better thinking; it also helps mood and balance. Tai chi and Baduanjin are gentle ways to start.
“Brain games” and supplements
Limited researchThere's no good evidence that commercial brain-training games or supplements prevent dementia. Save your money for hearing aids and walking shoes.
Sources
Reviewed October 2026. Education only — not medical, legal or financial advice.
In depth
More in this section
Hearing and vision
How hearing loss and untreated vision loss are linked to dementia, what the ACHIEVE hearing trial found, and what cataract surgery may mean for the brain.
Read →Blood pressure and heart
How blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, atrial fibrillation and stroke affect dementia risk, what trials like SPRINT MIND found, and steps you can take.
Read →Diabetes and weight
How diabetes and weight affect dementia risk, why very low blood sugar matters, and what research shows about GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide.
Read →Exercise
How much exercise helps your brain, which kinds to choose, what the research on dementia risk really shows, and how to start safely at any age.
Read →Mind and social life
How schooling, learning, brain games and time with others relate to dementia risk, what the ACTIVE and US POINTER trials found, and steps to try.
Read →Sleep, alcohol, smoking
What research shows about sleep, alcohol and smoking and dementia risk, how much each matters, and why it is worth quitting smoking at any age.
Read →Head injury and air
How head injuries and polluted air are tied to dementia risk, and steps that help: preventing falls, wearing helmets and breathing cleaner air.
Read →