Information for the Community

What do we know?

 

What will increase my risk?

Our research has shown that people who have less healthy lifestyles may be more likely to develop dementia.

There are some things that influence our risk of developing dementia that we cannot change. For example, as we get older we are at higher risk of developing dementia but we cannot change our age.

On the other hand there are some things that we can change. We know that people who smoke, who drink alcohol to excess, who have a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and who don’t exercise may be more likely to develop dementia. People who are obese or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol may also be at higher risk. We are also starting to understand that our environment may also play a role and it could be that higher exposure to certain types of air pollution could increase risk.

For a summary of the main factors that increase or decrease the risk of developing dementia see our infographics in Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, Greek and the original in English.

 

---

What can we do?

At the moment the best advice we can give is to try to live a healthy lifestyle.

Eat a healthy balanced diet, take exercise and maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke then try to stop and follow guidelines on use of alcohol.

If you have been prescribed medication, for example, blood pressure lowering medicine, remember to take it as advised by your doctor. It may help to try to keep your brain active also.

 

Want to know more? We have factsheets you can download with detailed information and tips on brain health and physical activity, diet and vascular risk factors. The factsheets are available in English, Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian and Greek.

              

---

 

What to do if you are concerned

If you are concerned about your memory or other brain and cognitive function please make an appointment to see your doctor.

 

---