Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the importance of increasing professional and public understanding of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors for dementia

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To identify the opportunities that nurses working in primary care have to promote brain health and dementia prevention

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To consider how you could support people to make lifestyle changes that may reduce their risk of dementia

It is expected that the prevalence of dementia will continue to rise over the coming years, with subsequent effects on the well-being of families and increasing the pressure on an already over-burdened health and social care system. This article discusses the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for dementia and suggests potential interventions to support the reduction and management of dementia-related risks in primary care. It uses a case study to demonstrate the benefits of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse role in primary care. The potential for dementia-related risks to escalate can have a wider effect on a person’s family if these are not appropriately identified and managed through specialist support.