Bengaluru: Nearly 45% of all dementia cases may be preventable through timely intervention, making regular cognitive screening and healthy lifestyle choices among the most effective tools for protecting brain health, experts said at a public awareness programme in Bengaluru.The session, Mind Your Brain Health, jointly organised by the Dementia India Alliance (DIA) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), highlighted the importance of recognising the early signs of dementia and addressing modifiable risk factors before cognitive decline becomes severe.As part of the initiative, people aged 55 years and above who are experiencing memory or thinking difficulties can undergo a free 20-minute cognitive screening through The DemClinic, an expert-led cognitive assessment platform for older adults. The screening is available both online and in person, said Ramani Sundaram, executive director of the Dementia India Alliance.The screening assesses memory, attention, language and other thinking abilities, along with risk factors, to help determine whether changes are consistent with normal ageing or warrant further clinical evaluation.“The screening test doesn’t diagnose dementia, but helps identify people who may need a more comprehensive assessment. Early cognitive screening can identify changes in memory and thinking before they significantly affect daily life, enabling timely diagnosis, treatment and care planning,” Ramani, a neuroscientist, said.Experts highlighted hearing loss as one of the largest modifiable risk factors for dementia. “It has been identified as one of the largest potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia,” Dr Varsha Vijay, psychiatrist at Nimhans.She said using hearing aids when recommended may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. “Good hearing and vision ensure the brain continues to receive and process sensory information, helping to preserve cognitive function,” she said, adding that maintaining hearing and vision also helps reduce depression and social isolation.Experts also stressed the importance of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, good control of blood pressure and diabetes, and adequate sleep to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.Aarthy T, physiotherapist at DIA, said aerobic exercise has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning.Experts also encouraged regular social interaction, saying community activities, conversations and everyday engagement with the outside world provide important mental stimulation that supports brain health.
