Overview
- The studies, published on Thursday, July 2, 2026, find that up to 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable factors such as smoking, inactivity, poor vascular health and social isolation, indicating large prevention potential.
- A Curtin University-led review of programmes across eight countries concluded that broad awareness campaigns reach many people but typically produce only modest knowledge gains and limited sustained behaviour change.
- The most effective approach identified combined personalised risk assessment with structured education and practical support, producing a reported 26% improvement in modifiable risk-factor status over three years.
- A separate Curtin cohort study of nearly 500,000 adults followed for more than a decade found higher dementia risk in people with sarcopenic obesity—low muscle strength plus excess body fat—while obesity with preserved muscle strength was not linked to higher risk.
- The research calls for a shift in public health practice toward long-term, culturally tailored programmes delivered through trusted local networks that reduce time, cost and motivation barriers and give people clear, practical steps to lower their dementia risk.