Dementia prevention involves lifestyle changes and social factors

Researchers and medical experts are highlighting a wide range of modifiable factors that could potentially reduce dementia cases by up to 45 percent. While individual lifestyle choices are critical, new studies suggest that broader social and environmental determinants play an equally vital role in brain health.

Medical professionals, including Dr. Eva Feldman from the University of Michigan, recommend practical daily habits such as using earplugs to protect hearing, as hearing loss is linked to increased dementia risk. Other suggestions include minimizing sedentary time by using stools instead of chairs to encourage active posture, engaging in regular physical stretching to improve blood flow, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent infections.

Complementing these individual actions, research from Curtin University published in ‘Lancet Public Health’ emphasizes that dementia prevention must look beyond personal motivation. The study analyzed 61 risk factors, noting that social and environmental elements—such as education levels, housing conditions, air quality, economic status, and access to healthcare—are often overlooked despite their significant impact on long-term brain health. Addressing these systemic factors is increasingly important as the global number of people living with dementia is projected to reach 139 million by 2050.