A new report reveals that nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 identified risk factors, with approximately 45% of dementia risk being modifiable through lifestyle changes.

Globally, more than 10 million people develop dementia each year, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.

While lifestyle factors can be managed, experts caution that age and genetics remain significant risk factors for dementia, necessitating both individual and societal action.

Health equity is a critical issue, as risk factors disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and low- to middle-income countries.

The report outlines 13 recommendations for individuals and governments, including improving education access, providing hearing aids, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Among the newly identified risk factors are vision loss and high cholesterol, which join 12 others recognized in previous reports, such as hypertension and social isolation.

Addressing hearing and vision loss is crucial, as timely treatment can help mitigate risks linked to cognitive decline.

Maintaining an active brain and body through regular social engagement and continuous learning is associated with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk.

Implementing prevention measures requires coordinated efforts from individuals, healthcare systems, and policymakers, which could lead to significant quality of life improvements and economic savings.

Dementia is caused by diseases like Alzheimer's that damage brain nerve cells, but it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

The global population living with dementia is expected to nearly triple to 153 million by 2050, leading to significant health and social costs exceeding $1 trillion annually.