Working together for people living with dementia - reducing your risk of developing dementia

We want to minimise the risk of people developing dementia. Therefore our first topic is called, 'Preventing Well'. This topic concentrates on supporting dementia research at a local level, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and improving quality of life.

As part of this work we are gathering insights in relation to understanding around the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle in helping to reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. There are number of things people can do to keep their brain healthy into later life such as:

• being physically active - regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and helps prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia.
• eating well - a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports brain health.
• keeping your mind active - engaging in puzzles, reading, learning a new skill, or playing an instrument are all ways you can help keep your brain healthy.
• being sociable - staying socially active helps us reduce stress and keep our mind's active.
• manging your physical health - chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity increase the risk of dementia.
• avoid smoking - brain cells need a good supply of blood to get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Smoking causes a build up of sticky deposits in our blood vessels, making them narrower and weaker, which reduces blood flow around the body and brain.
• limit alcohol - Drinking too much alcohol over time is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke, both of which are risk factors for developing dementia.
• taking care of your mental health - important to take care of our mental health. Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can negatively affect brain function.
• taking care of your hearing and vision - people who develop hearing problems during mid-life (aged 40 - 65 years) have an increased risk of developing dementia. Uncorrected vision loss can also increase the chances of developing dementia
• managing any underlying conditions - taking steps to prevent and manage things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol

For more information on this topic visit How to reduce your risk of developing dementia.

The deadline for comments is Wednesday 17 June 2026.

To have this information in a different format contact letstalkcountydurham@durham.gov.uk.