Approaches to Reducing the Risk of Dementia

Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. Many people do not know the risks of developing dementia or how to address and reduce them. By some estimates, 40% of dementia cases can be prevented by focusing on a small set of commonly occurring modifiable risk factors. Research suggests that a number of individual- and population-level interventions that focus on these modifiable risks may help reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. 

A recent report from the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center summarizes the evidence on modifiable risk factors for dementia, presents strategies for reducing those risks, and highlights examples of programs developed by the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL’s) Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) grantees to raise awareness of brain health and help people reduce their individual risk of dementia.

Key Contributors to Dementia Risk

Several chronic conditions are key contributors to dementia risk. The links between dementia and hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and hearing loss are well-documented. Preventing these chronic conditions from developing, or managing symptoms if a condition is already diagnosed, can lower a person’s long-term likelihood of developing dementia. Other significant and modifiable contributors to dementia risk include traumatic brain injury, social isolation and depression, insufficient sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Importantly, not getting enough sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol use are also tied to increased chronic disease risk. 

Strategies to Reduce Risk

Some strategies for reducing one’s risk of developing uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are related to personal behaviors. Taking action to manage weight, eat a healthier diet, decrease stress, and increase physical activity not only helps prevent these conditions but also helps reduce risks related to cognitive impairment. To minimize risk of hearing loss, using hearing protection and limiting exposure to loud sounds is important. Medication or medical intervention (e.g., blood pressure medicine, hearing aids) may also be recommended to manage each of these conditions when they are diagnosed. 

Although a common theme in reducing the odds of developing dementia is a focus on individual, healthy lifestyle choices, many people do not realize the impact of these behaviors on their brain health. Reminders and supports to encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle are also important aspects of brain health and dementia risk reduction. 

Public campaigns such as Mind Your Risks and Get Down With Your Blood Pressure raise awareness about some of the leading modifiable risk factors for dementia. Awareness can empower individuals to adopt risk reducing behaviors, including seeking screening, diagnosis, and treatment of existing chronic conditions. Supportive public policies, such as those that limit exposure to dangerous noise levels or increase the availability of healthy foods, are also essential to ensure access to environments and resources that protect brain health.

Role of Community Organizations

Community organizations and health departments are important partners in the effort to raise awareness, educate the public on brain health, and attend to barriers to adopting healthier behaviors. Some of ACL’s ADPI grantees have created these types of awareness and education programs. Summit County Public Health in Ohio ran a public awareness campaign on brain health, targeting specific ZIP Codes known for health inequities. The campaign combined social media marketing, a dedicated webpage, and delivery of a Brain Health Basics training in community gathering places like churches and senior centers. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe (AST), a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma, uses the “Health Buzz” section of its member newsletter to feature tips on dementia risk reduction. 

For many people, education is needed on why lifestyle adjustments are a key part of brain health; some may benefit from specific programs and supports to help them accomplish their health-related goals. Some organizations with ADPI grants, such as AST Health System in Oklahoma, California grantees AltaMed and OMID Multicultural Institute for Development, and Grown Ups in Puerto Rico, offer culturally tailored education programs in their communities. These programs—a mix of brief interventions delivered at social events and more intensive, multi-week classes—provide brain health education and build skills to support reducing risk among groups of people for whom there is evidence of a higher burden of dementia risk.

When developing or implementing programs to raise awareness or educate others on the risk factors for dementia, organizations should consider the needs of their community and the people they serve. Knowing the specific needs of those served will help determine the awareness campaigns and educational programming that best suit the population. The examples and resources presented in Promoting Brain Health and Reducing Dementia Risk Factors can help individuals, communities, and organizations as they seek to reduce the risk of dementia and promote brain health.