'Dementia is one of people's biggest fears in later life,' says Jessica Smith, research officer at Alzheimer's Society. 'While we don’t have enough evidence about how some risk factors might play a part in causing dementia, we do know that the best way of lowering your chances is to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, don't smoke and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.'

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What's the story? A change in walking pace could signal the early stages of dementia, according to recent research. Several large studies, presented at the 2012 Alzheimer's Association International Conference, found that the speed at which older people walk tended to slow as cognitive decline progressed.

Cause for concern? We all slow down as we get older: it's a natural part of the ageing process. These studies only looked at people in their 70s and beyond, some of whom were already known to have dementia. 'The results add to existing evidence that the way people walk may change as cognition declines,' says Dr Anne Corbett, research manager at Alzheimer's Society. 'That's not to say that people who prefer a slow stroll to a power walk should start to panic just yet. Looking at walking could one day play a part in helping to diagnose dementia but we first need to take more steps to understand how it could be linked to the early signs of the condition.'

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What's the story? Being raised in the countryside doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer's in later life, according to a major review of worldwide studies by researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

Cause for concern? More research is needed to discover the reasons behind these findings: it could be to do with lack of healthcare provision, for example. Remember, the studies under review covered many countries and dated back several decades. 'We certainly wouldn't advise people to consider a move to their nearest city in order to reduce their risk of developing dementia,' says Alzheimer's Society spokesperson Hannah Clack. 'In fact, regular nice long strolls in the countryside would be much more beneficial.'

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What's the story? Having a hysterectomy greatly increases risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to a US study reported recently in the Daily Mail. Professor Walter Rocca, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, suggests that women who have their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy have a 140% greater risk of Alzheimer's, possibly due to reduced levels of oestrogen, which appears to protect the brain.

Cause for concern? 'There is no clear link between hysterectomies and dementia at this stage,' says Jessica Smith. 'However, there is interesting research that highlights a potential new pathway in understanding how brain cells are protected and may become damaged, leading to dementia. More research into the benefits and effects of oestrogen is needed.' If you are concerned before or following a hysterectomy, speak to your GP or consultant, who should be able to put your mind at rest.

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What's the story? Toxoplasma - a parasite spread by cats - affects 350,000 people each year, and has been linked to serious conditions including dementia, according to several scary-sounding news reports earlier this year.

Cause for concern? The country's eight million cats - and their owners - can rest easy. 'There are potentially many causes of dementia,' says Jessica Smith. 'Toxoplasma infection is extremely rare and more research is needed in this area. Making sure your cat is clean and healthy can only be a good thing, but the best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to maintain your own general wellbeing and lead a healthy lifestyle.'

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What's the story? Mentally stimulating activities such as using a computer, combined with regular moderate exercise, can decrease risk of cognitive decline, according to a recent study of 926 people, aged between 70 and 93, at Mayo Clinic in the US.

Cause for concern? Numerous studies have shown that staying mentally and physically active can help slow cognitive decline. 'There is already considerable evidence to show that donning walking shoes or hitting the tennis courts can have real benefits for your head, as well as your heart,' says Professor Clive Ballard, director of research at Alzheimer's Society. 'Although we need to know more before we can say for sure whether using computers has real additional benefits and why this could be, we would encourage any older people who enjoy using them to keep it up.'

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What's the story? People who wake up regularly during the night are more likely to develop amyloid plaques, proteins associated with Alzheimer's, according to a study of 100 people carried out at Washington University in the US. Those who slept less efficiently were more likely to have these proteins in their brains.

Cause for concern? We all know the restorative health benefits of sleep - but the occasional bad night doesn't mean you're more at risk of dementia. 'This interesting study supports previous research that suggests regularly disrupted sleep could be linked to plaques known to develop in Alzheimer's disease,' says Dr Corbett. 'Much more research is needed, as we don't know whether these changes in people's sleep patterns over longer periods may increase chances of cognitive decline and dementia.'

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What's the story? A possible DNA link between age-related cataracts and Alzheimer's disease - identified by scientists from Boston University in the US - led to several recent newspaper reports suggesting that an eye test could help diagnose dementia.

Cause for concern? 'Although research shows there may be a connection between cataracts and the symptoms of dementia, it's likely the two conditions share underlying causes rather than cataracts increasing people's risk of dementia,' points out Jessica Smith. 'This study highlights some interesting avenues for further investigation, which could one day help us develop more effective diagnostic tools to spot dementia earlier.'

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What's the story? Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids - such as oily fish and nuts - could lower levels of a protein linked with Alzheimer's, according to a study published in 'Neurology'. US researchers studied the diets of 1,219 people over 65 for more than a year.

Cause for concern? 'This isn't the first time we've heard that good fats like omega-3 could reduce risk of dementia,' says Dr Corbett. 'Although this study didn't go as far as looking specifically at the condition, it adds weight to a growing body of evidence. However, the answer is not merely to enjoy the odd piece of fish. The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to regularly eat an all-round balanced diet which could include these foods, as well as exercising often.'

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What's the story? Despite earlier reports to the contrary, herbal remedy ginkgo biloba does not significantly reduce older people's risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to French research published in 'Lancet Neurology'. The study involved 2,854 people aged 70 or over who'd consulted their GPs over memory problems. After five years, four per cent of those who'd been given ginkgo biloba had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, compared to five per cent who'd been given a placebo.

Cause for concern? 'For a while it was hoped that ginkgo biloba could be the wonder drug,' says Jessica Smith. 'However, in recent years evidence - including a previous study by Alzheimer's Society - has repeatedly shown that it does not have any benefits in preventing the disease or slowing down symptoms.'

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What's the story? Older adults who binge drink at least twice a month are twice as likely to experience a higher level of cognitive decline, according to recent University of Exeter research. Meanwhile, a US study of 1,300 women found that heavy alcohol use in earlier life, moderate use in later life and starting to drink alcohol in later life all increase risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Cause for concern? 'There has been a lot of research into the link between alcohol and dementia,' says Dr Corbett. 'What is becoming increasingly apparent is that while an occasional tipple could actually help to protect the brain, binge drinking could be linked to an increased cognitive decline. These latest studies help reinforce the link between heavy drinking and dementia, but we need much more research to better understand exactly how drinking alcohol affects the brain.'

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