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Condition

Dementia

Related terms: Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Memory loss

EstablishedTextbook physiology, or consistent findings reflected in national guidance.
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A group of conditions that gradually affect brain function. Common signs include memory loss, misplacing things and difficulty doing familiar tasks.

  • If you notice any symptoms, see your doctor.
  • You can take steps to lower your risk of dementia at any age.
  • For advice, healthdirect lists the National Dementia Hotline on 1800 100 500.

How it works

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Vascular dementia is the most preventable form, and protecting your blood vessels and circulation lowers the risk. Other types include Lewy body dementias and frontotemporal dementia, and dementia in people under 65 is called younger onset dementia. Dementia is more common in older people.

Globally, 45% of dementia cases could be prevented, according to the Better Health Channel. Being physically active through life, staying socially connected, looking after heart health, not smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol all help lower the risk. Depression, loneliness, sleep disturbances, hearing loss and untreated vision loss are linked to a higher risk.

Connections

9 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.

Dementia affects Brain and nervous systemBrain and nervous systemDementia can be lowered by Physical activityPhysical activityDementia can be raised by AlcoholAlcoholDementia can be raised by DepressionDepressionDementia can be raised by Loneliness and isolationLonelinessand isolationDementia can be raised by Trouble sleepingTrouble sleepingDementia can be raised by SmokingSmokingDementia can be raised by Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetesDementia is linked with Heart and blood vesselsHeart andblood vesselsDementia affects Brain and nervous systemBrain andnervous systemDementia can be lowered by Physical activityPhysical activityDementia can be raised by AlcoholAlcoholDementia can be raised by DepressionDepressionDementia can be raised by Trouble sleepingTrouble sleepingDementia can be raised by SmokingSmokingDementia can be raised by Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetesDementia is linked with Heart and blood vesselsHeart andblood vesselsand 1 more below

Dementia can be raised by

Dementia affects

Dementia can be lowered by

Dementia is linked with

Medicines and supplements

General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.

Sources

  1. Dementiahealthdirect Australia
  2. Dementia: reducing your riskBetter Health Channel (Victorian Government), last reviewed 13 February 2026

Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.

Summarised from healthdirect and the Better Health Channel. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.

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