According to the Health and Retirement Survey, around half a million Americans may be contending with early-onset dementia. A new study reveals that some of the risk factors that can lead to the devastating diagnosis are modifiable — meaning you can cut your risk. They include the following:

• Alcohol use disorder. If you have a drinking problem, go to niaaa.nih.gov to find help.

• Social isolation. Reach out to friends, pursue hobbies, volunteer to help others.

• Vitamin-D deficiency. Get a blood test to see if you need to take D3; increase consumption of salmon and mushrooms.

• High C-reactive protein levels. This indicates body-wide inflammation. To reduce or prevent that, enjoy a plant-based diet, 150 minutes of exercise weekly, quality sleep, and no smoking or highly processed foods.

• Lack of lower handgrip strength. Counter it with two 30-minute strength-building sessions weekly.

• Hearing impairment. Get your hearing checked annually after age 50. Use a hearing aid, if needed.

• Heart disease. Reduce heart risk with regular exercise, a plant-based diet, stress reduction, and regular check-ups to measure cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Type 2 diabetes. Very often, the disease develops from poor nutrition, obesity, and lack of physical activity. You know what to do to prevent it.

Other factors that contribute to early-onset dementia include vision and balance problems. If you’re over 50, get your vision checked at least every three years. And to counter balance problems, stand on one foot (do it for both of them) for one minute daily.