Dementia Risk Calculator (LIBRA Score)
All 12 factors are within your control.
How this estimate is derived
- Model:
- LIfestyle for BRAin health (LIBRA) index
- Primary reference:
- Deckers K et al., PLOS Medicine 2017;14(3):e1002258
- Implementation last reviewed:
- 2026-08-29
- Purpose:
- Educational risk estimation only; not a clinical diagnosis.
How this is calculated
The LIBRA index sums weighted contributions from 12 lifestyle and health factors, each drawn from a systematic meta-analysis of their association with dementia risk. Risk factors (hypertension, depression, diabetes, and others) add points; protective factors (Mediterranean diet adherence, cognitive activity, social engagement) subtract points when present.
Because every factor here is modifiable — a behaviour you can change or a condition you can treat — the score is meant to highlight where the highest-impact changes are available to you, not to alarm. See the BMI & Body Weight calculator if you need to check your BMI for the obesity factor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the LIBRA score?
- A meta-analysis-derived index of 12 modifiable lifestyle and health factors, each weighted by its relative impact on dementia risk based on published research. Deckers K et al., PLOS Medicine 2017.
- Are all 12 factors really modifiable?
- Yes — unlike age or genetics, every LIBRA factor is a behavioural habit or a treatable health condition, which is the whole point of the index.
- How much can lifestyle changes actually reduce risk?
- A 2020 Lancet Commission report found that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide are attributable to 12 modifiable risk factors — a substantial share that lifestyle and treatment changes can influence.
- What is the Mediterranean diet?
- A dietary pattern emphasising olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole grains, with limited red meat and processed foods — consistently associated with better brain and cardiovascular health outcomes.
- What counts as cognitive activity?
- Reading, learning new skills, mentally demanding work, puzzles, and strategy games all count as cognitively stimulating activity.
- Why is depression a risk factor?
- Chronic depression is associated with neuroinflammation and hippocampal volume loss, both linked to cognitive decline — treating depression may help reduce dementia risk.
- This isn't a diagnosis — what should I do?
- A high score is worth raising with a GP as a starting point for a conversation about dementia prevention strategies and cognitive monitoring.
- What about genetics, like APOE4?
- LIBRA deliberately focuses only on modifiable factors. Genetic factors like the APOE4 allele do affect dementia risk but cannot be changed, so this tool focuses on what is within your control.
- Can I use this in my own app?
- Yes — every calculator on Stupidly Clever has a matching REST API and MCP tool that runs the same underlying logic.