Researchers think regularly challenging your brain can improve its ability to cope and keep working, even in the face of damage from diseases like Alzheimer’s.

There’s growing evidence that sleeping badly over a long period (years, not days or weeks) is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. However, more research is needed to get to the bottom of this complicated relationship.

Taking time for your mental wellbeing can help prevent and manage existing mental health conditions including stress, anxiety and depression. These conditions have been linked with an increased risk of developing dementia.

Research suggests that social isolation is linked to an increased risk of dementia, so keeping connected to the people around us is another great way to support our brain health.

Most studies have focused on in-person social contact, but staying in touch with phone calls seems to be beneficial too.

Joining groups, clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet new people and keep connected to your community.

Several studies have found a link between hearing loss and dementia risk. Researchers are now untangling whether hearing loss is a risk factor in itself, or whether it can increase social isolation which in turn may increase risk.

In any case, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked and corrected if needed.

Research has suggested that hearing aids, when used correctly, may help reduce this added risk.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your heart and brain.

As well as being linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, smoking can increase your risk of dementia.

It’s never too late to stop smoking. Quitting, even later in life, can make a huge difference to your brain health.

High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing dementia by damaging blood vessels in the brain. But treating it can help keep your brain healthy.

The NHS recommends that you should have a blood pressure test if you're worried about it at any age. Healthy adults aged 40 or over should have their blood pressure checked at least once every 5 years and anyone at an increased risk of high blood pressure should have it checked more frequently.

Research suggests that having high levels of cholesterol in midlife can increase your risk of dementia later in life.

There are lots of ways to keep cholesterol at a healthy level, and the NHS recommends speaking to your GP if you’re worried about your levels at any age. Adults over the age of 40 should ask their GP or pharmacy for a test if they haven’t had one before.

Research has shown that having type 2 diabetes can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.

Taking steps to manage type 2 diabetes is important in preventing other conditions linked to dementia including stroke and high blood pressure. More research is needed to confirm whether managing type 2 diabetes can directly reduce dementia risk.

Heavy drinking can affect your brain health. It's a good idea to have several alcohol-free days each week.

Although there’s no ‘safe’ drinking level, the NHS considers drinking less than 14 units spread over the week as ‘low risk’.

Eating a balanced diet is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, keep blood pressure in check and lower cholesterol: all known risk factors for dementia. Remember, it’s about trying to achieve a balance over a day or a week, not necessarily every meal.

Staying active is good for our health in so many ways, and research has linked more exercise in midlife with a lower risk of dementia later on.

Remember, this doesn’t have to mean running or going to the gym, and any time spent being active is better than none.