Research evidence shows that following a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of an individual (or a population if undertaken on a bigger scale) developing dementia later in life. A healthy lifestyle may also help people already diagnosed with dementia maintain their independence and brain functioning for longer. Healthy lifestyle approaches recommended by Public Health England and NICE include: taking regular, daily, short periods of exercise; eating a wholesome diet and preventing weight gain; looking after your mental health; stopping smoking and reducing your alcohol intake.