Interactive · The evidence
The 2024 Lancet Commission estimates that around 45% of dementia cases could, in principle, be prevented or delayed by addressing these 14 factors across the course of life. Select any factor to see the link — and one thing you can do about it.
Every factor from the 2024 Lancet Commission report, grouped by when in life it matters most — with the evidence and one thing you can do about each.
The linkFewer years of education early in life is linked to higher dementia risk, thought to be partly through lower "cognitive reserve" — the brain’s buffer against decline.
What you can doKeep learning at any age. Novel, effortful learning — a language, an instrument, a real course — is what builds reserve, not passive scrolling.
The linkUntreated hearing loss is one of the largest midlife risk factors in the Commission’s analysis, and one of the most treatable.
What you can doGet your hearing checked, and use hearing aids if they’re recommended — the effort of straining to hear may take a toll over time.
The linkRaised "bad" (LDL) cholesterol from around age 40 is newly linked to higher risk. Added in 2024 on the strength of cohort studies of over a million people plus a genetic meta-analysis.
What you can doKnow your numbers, and manage them with your doctor through diet, activity and — if advised — medication.
The linkDepression is associated with higher dementia risk. The relationship runs both ways, which is exactly why it’s worth treating rather than pushing through.
What you can doTreat it. Effective care exists — talk to a professional. Mood is not something to weather alone.
The linkTraumatic brain injury raises later dementia risk, which is why prevention of head injuries matters across life.
What you can doWear seatbelts and helmets, and reduce fall hazards at home as you get older.
The linkPhysical inactivity is linked to higher risk — and regular movement is one of the most consistently protective behaviours in the whole field.
What you can doMove most days. Brisk walking counts; aim for something regular rather than perfect.
The linkType 2 diabetes is associated with higher dementia risk, part of the strong link between metabolic health and brain health.
What you can doGet screened, and if you have it, manage blood sugar with clinical support.
The linkSmoking raises dementia risk, and stopping is linked to lower risk over time — the brain benefits from quitting at any age.
What you can doStop, with support. Quitlines, nicotine replacement and coaching all improve the odds.
The linkHigh blood pressure in midlife is a clear link between vascular health and brain health — what protects the heart tends to protect the brain.
What you can doCheck it regularly and keep it in a healthy range with your clinician’s guidance.
The linkMidlife obesity is associated with higher risk, overlapping with blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
What you can doWork toward a healthier weight through sustainable diet and activity changes, with support if you need it.
The linkHeavy drinking is linked to higher dementia risk.
What you can doKeep alcohol within recommended limits, or lower.
The linkLow social contact in later life is associated with higher risk. Connection appears to be genuinely protective, not just pleasant.
What you can doProtect regular contact — a standing call, a class, a group. Treat it as maintenance, not a luxury.
The linkExposure to air pollution is linked to higher dementia risk — one of the factors that also depends on policy and environment, not just individuals.
What you can doReduce exposure where you can: ventilation, indoor air filtration, and awareness on high-pollution days.
The linkUncorrected vision problems — such as untreated cataracts — are newly linked to higher risk. Added in 2024 from two large meta-analyses.
What you can doGet regular eye checks and treat correctable problems; much vision loss is preventable or fixable.
These are population-level factors. See where you stand across all 14 — a free, three-minute brain-health risk profile that turns this list into your personal priorities.
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