With increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide. Dementia is among the greatest challenges for healthcare and social systems of the future. Approximately 40% of newly diagnosed cases of dementia are associated with risk factors that can potentially be influenced by preventive measures. Based on the evidence from longitudinal studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the Lancet commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care has defined 12 risk factors that are associated with an increased risk for dementia: low level of education, hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, depression, obesity, social isolation, and air pollution.