What can you do to limit the risk of dementia?

There are various circumstances that can promote the development of dementia, so-called risk factors. Some of these can be influenced, others only to a limited extent or not at all. In this section, you can find out more about ways to reduce the risk of dementia. You can also speak to your family doctor or other healthcare professionals about all these topics.

The following risk factors can contribute to you developing dementia:

  • Smoking
  • Severe head injuries
  • Hearing impairments
  • Severe obesity
  • Untreated high blood pressure
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Certain medications
  • Depression
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hormone therapy
  • Air pollution
  • Exposure to pesticides

These risk factors are largely based on treatable causes. They are also often linked to habits that you can actively change:

Preventative steps you can take

  • Get plenty of exercise, especially if you sit a lot during the day, for example at work. Make up for this in your free time.
  • Keep your mind fit. Bring variety into your everyday life: take different routes, read new things, or learn a skill such as a foreign language or a musical instrument.
  • Maintain social contacts. Spending time with other people is good for your mental and emotional health.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A dietician can help you choose the right nutrients and manage your weight.
  • Be careful when taking different medications at the same time. Ask your pharmacist which medications are compatible with each other. 

There is currently no drug that can prevent the development of dementia. In very rare cases, dementia is hereditary, which increases the risk of developing the disease. However, this does not mean that you will definitely develop dementia. Many other risk factors can still be influenced through your own lifestyle and health choices.

Recommendations on diet, alcohol consumption, and exercise can be found in the following brochures:

Last updated: June 25, 2025