DementiaRoadmap

Promoting living well with dementia across Scotland
Keeping well → Risk reduction

Risk reduction

There is now a sufficient amount of research evidence that the following lifestyle approaches can reduce the risk of an individual (or a population if undertaken on a bigger scale) developing dementia later in life.

Not only will these approaches also reduce the risk of other important diseases, but they may also help people already diagnosed with dementia maintain their independence and brain functioning for longer.

These approaches are recommended by Public Health Scotland and SIGN Guidelines.

 

 

Information
Services

Information

  • Physical Activity and Sleep – Lancet ReportEvidence from The Lancet to show exercise and good-quality sleep can reduce risk of developing dementia.
  • Building Healthy Habits – Age ScotlandAge Scotland offers some useful advice on how to build healthy habits for later in life to keep you well for longer.
  • Alcohol and Dementia – The LancetAlcohol and Dementia - The Lancet - This study from The Lancet shows evidence of excessive alcohol use and an increased risk of dementia.
  • Alcohol and Dementia – Alzheimer ScotlandInformation from Alzheimer Scotland about the link between alcohol use and dementia
  • Smoking and Dementia – Alzheimer ScotlandInformation about the link between smoking and dementia from Alzheimer Scotland
  • Smoking and Dementia – ASHSmoking and Dementia - ASH - Information about the link between smoking and dementia
  • Report on Modifiable Risk FactorsThe Lancet Report listing the 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia.
  • SIGN GuidelinesThe guideline covers: the identification and diagnosis of dementia, investigative procedures, post-diagnostic support, non-pharmacological distressed behaviours, grief and dementia, the changing needs of people with dementia, and palliative approaches.
  • Stress and DementiaInformation about the link between stress and dementia
  • Vision LossVision Loss - Studies have shown that vision loss could be a risk factor for dementia, however if the vision loss is managed, there is no additional risk.
  • Cholesterol and DementiaCholesterol and Dementia This resource explains the link between cholesterol and dementia, what cholesterol is and how to manage it to reduce the risk of developing dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/possible-risks-of-dementia/cholesterol   
  • Power of Attorney and WillsIf a person has dementia, it is important that they organise their financial and legal affairs while they are still able to do so. This ensures that in the future, their affairs will be set up in a way that they have chosen.
  • Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementiaThe World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia provide evidence-based recommendations on lifestyle behaviours and interventions to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
  • Delirium awareness videoDelirium in older adults often goes unrecognised by health care professionals and can be poorly managed. This video was produced with the aim of improving recognition and management of delirium in any healthcare setting.
  • Health matters: midlife approaches to reduce dementia riskThis guidance published by Public Health England makes the case for action in midlife to promote healthy lifestyles that can reduce the risk of dementia.
  • The Daily SparkleThe Daily Sparkle is a professionally written daily and weekly reminiscence and activity tool supported by the UK's leading care organisations such as the NHS, AgeUK and DementiaUK.
  • Dementia, disability and frailty in later life – mid-life approaches to delay or prevent onsetThis guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence aims to increase the amount of time that people can be independent, healthy and active in later life.
  • The Sound Doctor: Getting the best out of life with dementiaA series of films providing information to families living with dementia through the entertaining medium of TV/Film.
  • Can dementia be prevented?These web pages on the NHS Choices portal give advice on leading a healthy lifestyle to help lower your risk of developing dementia when you are older.
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