The WHO recommends lifestyle steps to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
It is never too late to start, and the same habits protect the heart.
Key concepts
- What is good for the heart is good for the brain
- Correcting hearing loss is an important step
- No supplement has proven to prevent dementia
Symptoms and signs
- Slower thinking or word-finding with age
- Less physical activity after retirement
- Reduced social contact
Causes
- Uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes
- Smoking and heavy alcohol use
- Inactivity, isolation and depression
Risk factors
- Family history of dementia
- Head injuries
- Low education or little mental stimulation
Evidence-based management
- 150 minutes of walking or yoga per week
- Control BP, sugar and cholesterol; stop smoking
- Learn something new: language, music, games
- Stay socially active; treat hearing loss and depression
When to seek professional help
- Families can book an online consultation and join the call with the elder
- Memory complaints noticed by family
- Memory decline with low mood
Frequently asked questions
Do brain games prevent dementia?
They may help thinking skills, but combined physical, social and mental activity matters more.
Is dementia hereditary?
Family history raises risk modestly; most dementia is not directly inherited.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Dementia — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers (NG97). NICE, UK, 2018.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Related articles
Related guides
Need personal advice? Book a confidential consultation.