Researchers have not yet found a way to prevent the illnesses that cause dementia. The biggest risk factor for dementia is age, and it’s impossible to stop yourself from getting older.
However, there are some things people can do to reduce their risk of getting dementia when they are older. Smoking, drinking lots of alcohol, a lack of exercise and being very overweight increase a person’s risk of getting many different illnesses, including some types of dementia.
By avoiding these risk factors, people may be able to help reduce their risk of getting dementia when they are older. However, some people will live a healthy lifestyle and still develop dementia when they’re older, because there are so many different factors involved.
By understanding the illnesses that cause dementia, scientists hope to find ways to prevent, treat and even cure dementia in the future.
This information was updated in November 2019 and is due for review in November 2021. Please contact us if you would like a version with references.
