Paris: Public messaging around dementia prevention is increasingly focused on individual lifestyle choices, but this emphasis may be misleading and potentially harmful, according to researchers Joyce Siette of Western Sydney University and Gilbert Knaggs of the University of Sydney. In a joint article published on May 12 by The Conversation, the authors argue that promoting dementia prevention as a matter of personal responsibility risks reinforcing stigma and widening social inequalities.
The warning comes amid a growing number of studies and campaigns suggesting that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, cognitive training, and social engagement can significantly reduce dementia risk. A 2023 report from The Lancet estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases globally could potentially be delayed or prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors.
While acknowledging the value of these findings, Siette and Knaggs caution that such messages often overlook structural issues that play a critical role in brain health. They note that risk factors such as poverty, education level, air quality, and access to healthcare are not evenly distributed and can significantly influence dementia outcomes.
Dementia, which includes conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, is caused by damage to brain cells, impairing memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Although factors like age and genetics are not modifiable, lifestyle choices such as physical activity and diet have been shown to impact cognitive health.
However, the researchers argue that the translation of scientific findings into public health campaigns often lacks social context. Communities facing socioeconomic disadvantage, they explain, frequently experience higher rates of modifiable risk factors—including diabetes, obesity, and low educational attainment—while also facing more barriers to accessing preventive measures.
They highlight issues such as food insecurity, poor air quality, lack of green space, and limited mobility as major obstacles for lower-income populations in adopting recommended lifestyle changes. According to the authors, telling individuals to adopt a Mediterranean diet or join a gym can be unhelpful or alienating for those without the resources or support to do so.
Siette and Knaggs advocate for a broader, more equitable approach to dementia prevention. They recommend that health messaging be co-developed with affected communities, rather than imposed from outside, and stress the importance of collective responsibility. Public infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and culturally sensitive education campaigns are cited as essential components of an inclusive strategy.
The researchers also call for a reframing of what success looks like in dementia care. Beyond prevention, they emphasize the importance of ensuring dignity, inclusion, and high-quality support for individuals living with the condition.
