Two chapters in the guideline cover the risk reduction and prevention of dementia (Chapter 1.3 & Chapter 4.4). The modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors identified for cognitive impairment include the followings (Department of Health, 2017b, p. 9):

Modifiable risk factors

Lifestyle

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Physical inactivity
• Low participation of cognitive activities
• Social isolation

Vascular risk

• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Overweight & obesity
• Stroke

Others

• Depression
• Drugs
• Low education attainment
• Head injury

Non-modifiable risk factors

• Advancing age
• Family history
• Genetics
• Gender

For the prevention of cognitive impairment, some advices are provided on enhancing cognitive reserve and reducing modifiable risks of dementia. They include stop smoking, healthy eating, stay physically and socially active, participate in intellectual and leisure activities, prevent head injury, avoid excessive alcohol use, maintain optimal levels of health indicators (e.g., body weight, waistline, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol), and collaborate with care providers on the management of other medical conditions (e.g., heart diseases, stroke, and depression). Besides, the guideline recommends that avoiding the long-term use of hypnotics, practicing Tai Chi, early detection of cognitive impairment, and seeking medical advice are important to prevent cognitive impairment (Department of Health, 2017b, p. 32).

References:

Department of Health. (2017b). Hong Kong Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults in Primary Care Settings: Module on Cognitive Impairment. Retrieved from https://www.fhb.gov.hk/pho/rfs/english/pdf_viewer.html?file=download215&title=string258&titletext=string189&htmltext=string189&resources=07_Module_on_Cognitive_Impairment