Mind Your Risks®

A photograph of three people and typography that says “You have a brilliant mind. Don’t risk it. Protect it. Manage your blood pressure and mind your risks.”

 

What does it mean to "mind your risks?"

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"Minding your risks" means understanding key factors that could harm your brain health—and taking steps to protect it. One of the most important things you can do to protect your brain is to control high blood pressure between the ages of 28 and 45, which can help reduce your risk of having a stroke and developing dementia later in life. 

Led by NINDS, the Mind Your Risks® campaign raises awareness of the connection between high blood pressure, stroke, and cognitive decline. The Mind Your Risks® campaign helps individuals
and healthcare providers understand this link and take action. 

Here, you’ll find tools, educational
materials, and the latest science about preventing stroke and dementia. We work with trusted partners
such as national and community-based organizations across the country to do the following: 

  • Share evidence-based information about brain health and blood pressure
     
  • Provide prevention strategies that are clear, relatable, and actionable.
     
  • Equip healthcare providers with up-to-date research and patient communication tools.
     
  • Support public health efforts to reduce disparities in stroke and dementia.

Explore Mind Your Risks®

On the following pages, you’ll find videos, tools, tips, and research to help you with managing blood pressure and lowering dementia risk.

Photograph of a young woman and young man running on a wooded path and checking their wristwatch heart rate monitors

Take action to know and manage your risks

Learn more about and manage high blood pressure in order to keep your brain healthy. Understand your own risk better, and find evidence-based tips for managing your blood pressure in order to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

 

Abstract illustration of a brain, a microscope, a beaker, and other scientific equipment

Check out research highlights

Review the most compelling science behind the relationship between high blood pressure and dementia as well as the potential impact of early interventions. You can explore summaries and links to further research to deepen your understanding of the latest science linking high blood pressure and dementia risk.

 

“Mind Your Risks” in bold type Brand wordmark

Share the Mind Your Risks® campaign

Use this suite of downloadable materials such as patient education PDFs, posters, print ads, social media graphics, videos, and webinars to spread the word about this important topic and help others find the resources and support they need to manage their blood pressure and dementia risk.

 

NINDS collaborates with a range of national and community-based organizations—partners who are committed to improving brain health, preventing chronic diseases, and removing obstacles to quality healthcare—including the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Million Hearts, and The Heart Truth.