Dementia Prevention Starts Today: Key Takeaways from the Brain Health, Cognitive Ageing, and Dementia Care Workshop
As the global population continues to age, dementia has become one of the fastest-growing public health challenges worldwide. Recognizing the importance of early awareness and prevention, iConference organized a pre-conference workshop on “Brain Health, Cognitive Ageing, and Dementia Care” on 26 June 2026, as part of the upcoming 7th International Conference on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine (SilverAge 2026). The workshop was conducted by Dr. Vidya Giri Shanker,Consultant Psychiatrist in Liaison Psychiatry | MBBS, MRCPsych, DPM, DLM South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust,London,United Kingdom.who shared evidence-based strategies for maintaining brain health, building cognitive reserve, and reducing the risk of dementia through practical lifestyle changes.
What is cognitive reserve?
Cognitive reserve is the brain’s natural ability to adapt, compensate, and continue functioning despite age-related changes or neurological damage. Dr. Vidya explained that it acts as a “mental reserve” built through lifelong learning, education, problem-solving, social interaction, and mentally stimulating activities. Contrary to popular belief, cognitive reserve is not fixed. Thanks to the brain’s remarkable neuroplasticity, people can continue strengthening their cognitive reserve throughout life by reading, learning new skills, engaging in meaningful conversations, and staying intellectually active.
Can dementia be prevented completely?
Although dementia cannot be completely prevented because genetics and aging are factors beyond our control, the risk can be significantly reduced or delayed. The workshop highlighted that by the time symptoms become noticeable, substantial changes may have already occurred within the brain. This makes prevention especially important. Healthy lifestyle choices, regular cognitive stimulation, and early intervention remain some of the most effective approaches for lowering dementia risk and promoting healthy cognitive ageing.
What lifestyle habits best protect brain health?
Among the many recommendations discussed, three lifestyle habits stood out as the strongest protectors of brain health: regular aerobic exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet. These habits improve blood circulation to the brain, reduce inflammation, and support memory and cognitive performance. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels also contributes significantly to reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The workshop reinforced that brain health is closely connected to overall physical health.
Can small daily habits really improve brain health?
Absolutely. One of the workshop’s most practical concepts was habit stacking, where a new healthy habit is attached to an existing daily routine. For example, after brushing your teeth each morning, you might spend five minutes meditating or practicing mindfulness. Small actions such as taking a walk, reading a few pages of a book, drinking enough water, or calling a friend may seem simple, but when repeated consistently, they strengthen neural connections and contribute to better cognitive function over time.
How can brain health be maintained throughout life?
Maintaining brain health requires continuous attention to physical, mental, and social well-being. Regular exercise increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, while mentally stimulating activities build cognitive reserve. Good nutrition and sufficient sleep support memory consolidation and neuronal repair. Equally important is maintaining strong social connections, as loneliness and isolation have been associated with faster cognitive decline. Dr. Shankar emphasized that protecting brain health is a lifelong journey rather than a short-term goal.
Why do we sometimes forget things or remember them incorrectly?
Forgetting is often a normal function of the brain rather than a sign of disease. Our brains constantly filter information, prioritizing meaningful experiences while discarding unnecessary details. Memory can also be influenced by stress, poor sleep, multitasking, and distractions. Sometimes memories are reconstructed instead of being recalled exactly as they occurred, leading to inaccuracies. Improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and practicing focused attention can significantly improve everyday memory performance.
Can cognitive decline be slowed or even reversed?
The workshop explained that early cognitive decline, particularly during the stage known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), may be partially reversible when underlying causes are identified and treated. Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, chronic stress, or other medical conditions may contribute to declining cognition. While advanced dementia cannot currently be reversed, early diagnosis combined with cognitive exercises, physical activity, proper nutrition, and social engagement can slow progression and improve quality of life.
How does stress affect brain health?
Chronic stress has profound effects on the brain. Persistently elevated stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can impair memory, concentration, and emotional regulation while affecting regions such as the hippocampus that are responsible for learning and memory. The workshop highlighted that unmanaged anxiety and depression may accelerate cognitive decline over time. Mindfulness, regular exercise, counselling, adequate sleep, and maintaining supportive social relationships are all effective strategies for reducing stress and protecting long-term brain health.
How does stress affect brain health?
Chronic stress has profound effects on the brain. Persistently elevated stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can impair memory, concentration, and emotional regulation while affecting regions such as the hippocampus that are responsible for learning and memory. The workshop highlighted that unmanaged anxiety and depression may accelerate cognitive decline over time. Mindfulness, regular exercise, counselling, adequate sleep, and maintaining supportive social relationships are all effective strategies for reducing stress and protecting long-term brain health.
Looking Ahead to SilverAge 2026
The workshop demonstrated that protecting our brains begins long before old age. Building cognitive reserve, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, managing stress, and staying socially and mentally active can all contribute to healthier aging and a reduced risk of dementia.
These important discussions will continue at the 7th International Conference on Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine (SilverAge 2026), organized by iConference, where leading researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and academics from around the world will share the latest evidence, innovations, and best practices in gerontology, dementia care, healthy ageing, and geriatric medicine. Whether you are a researcher, healthcare professional, student, or caregiver, SilverAge 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to learn, collaborate, and contribute to shaping the future of healthy ageing.
