6 ways to protect your brain and reduce dementia risk

Key Points:

• The World Health Organization’s updated guidelines emphasize that up to 45% of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors such as physical inactivity, smoking, social isolation, and chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, suggesting prevention or delay is possible.
• Hearing loss and vision impairment have been newly recognized as important modifiable risk factors, with hearing interventions shown to slow cognitive decline in at-risk individuals.
• Combining multiple interventions—such as exercise, a healthy diet, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation—is more effective for brain health than focusing on any single measure like puzzles or supplements.
• Routine use of vitamins or brain supplements is not recommended by WHO unless a nutritional deficiency is diagnosed; instead, managing overall health and risk factors over time is key to reducing dementia risk.
• Early detection of cognitive changes is important, as symptoms can result from various causes; timely evaluation helps identify treatable conditions and allows for better preparation, while brain health is shaped by lifelong habits rather than late-life actions.