A recent 2024 study published in a well known medical journal reviewed the available studies (systematic reviews and meta-analysis) for ways to decrease dementia & progression

They recommended the following 13 actions across 14 risk factors:

1. Ensure good quality education is available for all and encourage cognitively stimulating activities in midlife to protect cognition
2. Make hearing aids accessible for people with hearing loss and decrease harmful noise exposure to reduce hearing loss
3. Treat depression effectively
4. Encourage use of helmets and head protection in contact sports and on bicycles
5. Encourage exercise because people who participate in sport and exercise are less likely to develop dementia
6. Reduce cigarette smoking through education, price control, and preventing smoking in public places and make smoking cessation advice accessible
7. Prevent or reduce hypertension and maintain systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or less from age 40 years
8. Detect and treat high LDL cholesterol from midlife
9. Maintain a healthy weight and treat obesity as early as possible, which also helps to prevent diabetes
10. Reduce high alcohol consumption through price control and increased awareness of levels and risks of overconsumption
11. Prioritise age-friendly and supportive community environments and housing and reduce social isolation by facilitating participation in activities and living with others
12. Make screening and treatment for vision loss accessible for all
13. Reduce exposure to air pollution

Reference: Comes from the August 2024 Lancet journal: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Livingston, Gill et al. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10452, 572 - 628

Version: YT 1/2025