40–45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, according to a global committee of experts.
The identified risk factors include physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, untreated vision loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, low education attainment, social isolation, high cholesterol, and depression.
A New Tool to Assess Brain Health
Dr. Jonathan Rosand, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and his team have developed a free online questionnaire called the Brain Care Score. The tool helps individuals assess and modify their personal risk by identifying lifestyle habits that impact brain health.
Users receive a score reflecting the number of healthy behaviors they have adopted. A five-point higher Brain Care Score is linked to a 43% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 31% lower incidence of common cancers, including lung, colorectal, and breast cancer, according to a June 2025 study.
Taking Control Beyond Genetics
The Brain Care Score is designed as a customizable guide, allowing individuals to make targeted changes in diet, physical activity, stress management, and other areas to reduce dementia risk.
"While genetics play a role, modifiable factors offer significant control."
— Dr. Jonathan Rosand
Lauren Sprague, whose father died of dementia at 63, used the tool to guide changes in her diet and lifestyle. She reported improvements in her score and a reduced fear about developing dementia.