Dementia is now the most feared consequence of aging, but many people are not doing enough to ward it off in later life. Because of this, experts have established a 12-step checklist they claim will help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Looking after hearing, engaging in daily challenges to keep the brain active and socializing can all help ward off dementia. 12 Steps To Reducing Your Risk Of Dementia: 1. Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night 2. Regularly challenging the brain 3. Looking after mental well-being 4. Staying socially active 5. Looking after your hearing 6. Eating a balanced diet 7. Staying physically active 8. Quitting smoking 9. Drinking responsibly 10. Keeping a healthy level of cholesterol 11. Maintaining healthy blood pressure 12. Managing diabetes as well as possible A poll of 2,200 UK adults found that only 31% of adults said they get at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. While just over 27% said they do activities to challenge their brain every day.