Dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older. This is a key message from experts who study brain health. Aging is the main risk factor, but there are many other things that can be changed to lower the chances of developing dementia.

Experts have identified 14 factors that can be modified to help prevent dementia. Some of these are well-known, like keeping a healthy weight, eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking. Others are less obvious, such as staying in school longer and protecting your hearing.

Pollution is also a factor that can be addressed, but this requires action from policymakers. Social interaction is important too. If you have hearing loss and don't use a hearing aid, you might avoid social situations. This can be bad for your brain health.

About 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by changing these risk factors. But it's not just up to individuals. Society needs to support these changes, just like it has with other health issues.

Education is crucial, but so is having systems in place to help people make these changes. The message is clear: what's good for your heart is good for your brain. But people need support to make these changes happen.


# **Dementia Prevention: It's Not Inevitable**

## **Key Insights from Brain Health Experts**

- **Aging is the main risk factor**, but it's not the only one.
- **14 modifiable factors** can help prevent dementia.

### **Well-Known Factors**
- Maintain a **healthy weight**
- Eat a **balanced diet**
- Stay **physically active**
- Avoid **smoking**

### **Less Obvious Factors**
- **Stay in school longer**
- **Protect your hearing**
- **Reduce pollution exposure** (requires policy action)
- **Engage in social interaction**

### **Impact of Hearing Loss**
- Untreated hearing loss can lead to **social isolation**, negatively affecting brain health.

## **Preventing Dementia**
- **45% of dementia cases** could be prevented by addressing these risk factors.
- **Societal support** is crucial, just like with other health issues.
- **Education and systems** must be in place to help individuals make changes.

## **Final Message**
- **What's good for your heart is good for your brain.**
- **Support is needed** to implement these changes effectively.



Brain Power: How Lifestyle Choices Can Shield You From Dementia

Key Insights from Brain Health Experts

Well-Known Factors

Less Obvious Factors

Impact of Hearing Loss

Preventing Dementia

Final Message

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