New research reveals one in four over-40s can't name a single risk factor for dementia

Low awareness of modifiable risk factors

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer and affects around one million people across the UK, yet new research from Alzheimer's Society suggests many people remain unaware of the modifiable risk factors – such as high blood pressure and hearing loss – that could influence their chances of developing the condition.

More than a quarter (26%) of people aged over 40 cannot identify a single modifiable factor that could increase their risk of dementia, according to a new survey.

Just one in five (21%) adults aged over 40 were aware of growing evidence that up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to factors that can be prevented, treated or modified.

The importance of supporting brain health in midlife

Researchers say midlife, typically between the ages of 45 and 65, is one of the most important opportunities people have to support their future brain health by identifying and managing risk factors including obesity and high cholesterol.

Yet the research suggests many people may be missing that opportunity. Less than a third (32%) of over-40s recognised that high blood pressure can increase dementia risk, despite it being one of the most significant modifiable risk factors. Only 24% identified high cholesterol and just 21% recognised hearing loss as a risk factor.

Increasing awareness of dementia risk factors

We're calling for greater public awareness of dementia risk factors, warning that too many people may be missing opportunities to support their brain health.

Michelle Dyson CB, CEO at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'These new findings show that many people are not aware of the factors they can influence to help reduce their risk of developing dementia, the UK’s biggest killer. 

'As a result, millions of people are missing the chance to take simple steps today that could help protect their brain health tomorrow, from getting their hearing checked to managing their blood pressure.

By helping people to understand their risks and the actions they can take, we have a meaningful opportunity to reduce the number of people affected by dementia in the future.

The survey also found that many people may be living with potentially unaddressed risk factors. Four in 10 (40%) over-40s said their hearing has worsened in the last five years, yet only a third (33%) have had their hearing checked during that time.

Meanwhile, nearly one in five (18%) over-40s speak to somebody outside their household only once a week or less, despite social isolation being linked to increased dementia risk.

While age remains the biggest risk factor for dementia, experts increasingly understand more about the factors throughout life that can influence a person's chances of developing the condition.

Risk factors that can increase likelihood of dementia

The 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia, part-funded by Alzheimer’s Society, identified 14 modifiable risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing dementia. These are:

• High blood pressure
• Hearing loss
• High LDL ("bad") cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Traumatic brain injury
• Air pollution
• Untreated vision loss
• Limited education in early life

While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, evidence suggests that addressing these factors could potentially prevent or delay almost half of dementia cases.