# Quarter of over-40s ‘cannot name one preventable dementia risk factor’ – poll

By Prof Ian Maidment — 2026-08-25

Ian Maidment, professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, believes social media can play a key role in understanding dementia after a survey revealed that a quarter of over 40s in the UK cannot name one preventable risk factor.

He said: “Many people understandably live in fear of dementia.

“But there are many things that we can do to reduce the risk of dementia including exercise, not smoking, alcohol in moderation and managing diseases such as high blood pressure and a raised cholesterol.

“The key message is: what is good for the heart is good for the head. This message needs to be communicated in accessible ways to a diverse audience; social media has a key role.”

Canonical: https://experts.pressassociation.com/expert/145/views/52f3af4a3679d506