From high cholesterol and gum disease to hearing loss and social isolation, research reveals that everyday health habits may play an important role in protecting our brains as we age.
When we think about protecting our memory as we age, we often picture crossword puzzles, reading books or challenging ourselves to learn something new. While staying mentally engaged is valuable, scientists are discovering that brain health is connected to much more than mental exercises.
Your cholesterol levels, dental health, hearing, sleep habits and even your social relationships may all play a role in your risk of developing dementia.
In fact, a landmark 2024 report from The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care identified 14 potentially modifiable risk factors associated with dementia.
The researchers estimated that approximately 45% of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing these risk factors throughout life.
That doesn’t mean every case of dementia is preventable, or that healthy people cannot develop Alzheimer’s disease. But it does suggest that many everyday health decisions matter.
Source: The Lancet Commission findings, summarized in The BMJ
1. High Cholesterol: What’s Good for Your Heart May Be Good for Your Brain
Most people associate high cholesterol with heart attacks and strokes. But researchers have identified another important connection: dementia risk.
The 2024 Lancet Commission identified high LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, in midlife as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Researchers estimated that approximately 7% of dementia cases worldwide were associated with elevated LDL cholesterol in midlife.
Why might this matter?
High LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, which can affect circulation and vascular health. Healthy blood flow is essential for the brain, just as it is for the heart.
What you can do: Have your cholesterol checked regularly, discuss your individual risk with your healthcare provider and follow recommendations for nutrition, physical activity and cholesterol management.
Source: The BMJ — Lancet Commission Dementia Risk Findings
2. Gum Disease: Could Your Oral Health Affect Your Memory?
Here’s a connection many people may find surprising: researchers are studying whether poor oral health may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.
A study highlighted by the National Institute on Aging examined more than 6,000 participants and found associations between certain bacteria linked to periodontal (gum) disease and the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
One possible explanation involves chronic inflammation. Gum disease can trigger inflammatory responses, and researchers are investigating how oral bacteria and inflammation might influence brain health.
However, an important distinction remains: research has identified an association, but it has not established that gum disease directly causes dementia or that treating gum disease prevents it.
Regardless, maintaining oral health is important for overall wellness.
What you can do: Schedule regular dental examinations, practice good oral hygiene and seek treatment for persistent gum inflammation or infection.
Source: National Institute on Aging — Large Study Links Gum Disease With Dementia
3. Hearing Loss: More Than Missing Conversations
Hearing loss is one of the most significant potentially modifiable risk factors identified in dementia research.
Scientists believe several factors may contribute to the connection.
When hearing becomes difficult, the brain may need to devote more effort to understanding sounds and conversations. Hearing difficulties can also lead people to withdraw from social situations, reducing opportunities for meaningful interaction.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies hearing loss as an important dementia risk factor and notes that treating hearing loss may help reduce risk.
What you can do: Have your hearing evaluated, address hearing difficulties early and discuss hearing aids or other appropriate interventions with a hearing care professional.
Source: CDC — Reducing Risk for Dementia
4. High Blood Pressure: Protecting the Brain’s Blood Supply
Your brain depends on a healthy network of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage those blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke and vascular dementia.
Research has consistently identified high blood pressure, particularly during midlife, as an important risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
The encouraging news is that blood pressure is something many people can manage with appropriate medical care and healthy habits.
What you can do: Monitor your blood pressure, stay physically active, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations and take prescribed medications as directed.
Source: CDC — Reducing Risk for Dementia
5. Diabetes: The Connection Between Blood Sugar and Brain Health
Diabetes affects far more than blood sugar levels.
Over time, poorly controlled diabetes can damage blood vessels and contribute to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves and brain.
Researchers have identified diabetes as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Managing blood sugar levels is therefore important not only for physical health but also as part of a broader approach to protecting cognitive health.
What you can do: Follow recommendations for diabetes screening, manage blood sugar if you have diabetes, remain physically active and work with your healthcare provider on a personalized treatment plan.
Source: CDC — Dementia Prevention
6. Untreated Vision Loss: Another Reason to Protect Your Eyesight
Hearing loss has received considerable attention in dementia research, but vision health is increasingly part of the conversation.
The 2024 Lancet Commission added untreated vision loss in later life to its list of potentially modifiable dementia risk factors.
Researchers estimated that approximately 2% of dementia cases worldwide could be associated with untreated vision loss.
Vision difficulties may limit participation in activities, reduce independence and create barriers to social engagement.
Although researchers continue investigating the relationship, maintaining good vision supports everyday functioning and quality of life.
What you can do: Schedule regular eye examinations and seek treatment for correctable vision problems.
Source: The BMJ — 2024 Lancet Commission Findings
7. Poor Sleep: Why Rest Matters for Brain Health
Sleep is not simply a time when the body rests. It is also an important period for memory processing and brain function.
Researchers are investigating how insufficient sleep, disrupted sleep and conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea may influence cognitive health.
One area of research examines the brain’s ability to clear waste products, including proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the relationship is complex. Poor sleep may contribute to cognitive problems, while changes associated with dementia can also disrupt sleep.
More research is needed to establish how treating specific sleep problems affects long-term dementia risk.
What you can do: Maintain consistent sleep habits, discuss persistent sleep difficulties with your healthcare provider and seek evaluation for possible sleep apnea when appropriate.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association — Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
8. Social Isolation: Why Relationships Matter for Brain Health
Friendship and social connection aren’t simply enjoyable parts of life. They may also contribute to healthy aging.
Research has found that people experiencing social isolation or loneliness have a higher risk of dementia.
The CDC recognizes social isolation as an important factor associated with cognitive health.
Social interactions provide opportunities for conversation, emotional support, problem-solving and mental engagement.
Whether it’s sharing a meal, joining a discussion, volunteering or participating in a favorite hobby, maintaining relationships helps keep us connected to the world around us.
What you can do: Make time for friendships, participate in group activities, volunteer, explore community organizations and seek opportunities to build new relationships.
Source: CDC — Social Isolation and Dementia Risk
9. Physical Inactivity: Moving Your Body Supports Your Brain
Physical activity benefits the cardiovascular system, muscles, bones and overall mobility. It also plays an important role in cognitive health.
Regular exercise supports healthy circulation and helps manage several conditions associated with dementia risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
The CDC recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, when appropriate for their health and abilities.
That doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym or participating in strenuous exercise.
Walking, swimming, dancing, gardening and other enjoyable activities can all contribute to an active lifestyle.
What you can do: Choose activities you enjoy, make movement part of your daily routine and discuss safe exercise options with your healthcare provider.
Source: CDC — Reducing Risk for Dementia
10. Depression: Emotional Health and Cognitive Health Are Connected
Depression is another factor associated with dementia risk.
Researchers are still working to understand the relationship. Depression may contribute to dementia risk in some circumstances, while symptoms of depression can also appear during the early stages of cognitive decline.
Regardless of the underlying connection, emotional well-being is an essential component of healthy aging.
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, withdrawal from activities or changes in sleep and appetite deserve attention.
What you can do: Stay connected with supportive relationships, participate in meaningful activities and seek professional care when experiencing symptoms of depression.
Source: CDC — Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
The Bigger Picture: Brain Health Is About More Than Memory
One of the most encouraging messages emerging from dementia research is that supporting brain health involves many of the same habits that support overall wellness.
Managing cardiovascular health, staying physically active, addressing hearing and vision changes, maintaining meaningful relationships and continuing to learn are all valuable components of healthy aging.
No single activity, treatment or lifestyle change guarantees protection against dementia.
And age, genetics and other factors beyond our control continue to play important roles.
But the research reinforces a meaningful message:
It’s never too early—or too late—to pay attention to your brain health.
Living Well at Heron’s Key: A Community Designed for Connection and Engagement
At Heron’s Key, a Life Plan Community in Gig Harbor, Washington, we believe healthy aging involves more than physical wellness.
It’s about continuing to learn, building relationships, discovering new interests and maintaining a sense of purpose.
Our approach to whole-person wellness creates opportunities for residents to remain engaged in the activities and relationships that bring meaning to their lives.
Through fitness opportunities, social activities, resident-led committees and our Lifelong Learning Collective, residents have opportunities to challenge themselves intellectually, stay physically active and build meaningful connections.
The Lifelong Learning Collective, guided by residents themselves, offers approximately 200 educational programs and experiences each year, celebrating the idea that Curiosity Never Retires.
These experiences are not a guarantee against dementia, but they reflect many of the healthy aging principles emphasized in current research.
As a Life Plan Community, Heron’s Key also provides the reassurance of a continuum of care, allowing residents to plan for changing needs while continuing to enjoy an engaging and connected lifestyle.
Because living well isn’t simply about adding years to life. It’s about making those years meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Risk and Brain Health
Can dementia be prevented?
Not all dementia can be prevented. However, the 2024 Lancet Commission estimated that addressing 14 potentially modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay approximately 45% of dementia cases worldwide. This is a population-level estimate, not a prediction of any individual’s risk.
Does high cholesterol increase the risk of dementia?
Yes. Research has identified high LDL cholesterol in midlife as a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Managing cholesterol supports cardiovascular health and may contribute to reducing dementia risk.
Can gum disease cause Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers have found associations between periodontal disease, certain oral bacteria and dementia. However, there is not enough evidence to conclude that gum disease directly causes Alzheimer’s disease or that dental treatment prevents dementia.
Does hearing loss increase dementia risk?
Yes. Hearing loss is a recognized potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Addressing hearing difficulties may help maintain communication, social engagement and cognitive well-being.
What lifestyle habits support brain health as we age?
Regular physical activity, managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding smoking, maintaining social connections, addressing hearing and vision loss, and participating in mentally stimulating activities are all important components of a brain-healthy lifestyle.
Is it too late to improve brain health after age 70?
No. Healthy behaviors and appropriate management of medical conditions remain valuable throughout older adulthood. Although some dementia risk factors have their greatest influence earlier in life, maintaining physical, emotional and social wellness can benefit quality of life at any age.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Anyone concerned about memory changes or dementia risk should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
