This report has been produced to inform health promotion and disease prevention strategies. It has examined critically the evidence for the existence of modifiable risk factors for dementia. It have focused upon sets of potential modifiable risk factors in four key domains; developmental, psychological and psychosocial, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors.
• There is persuasive evidence that the dementia risk for populations can be modified through reduction in tobacco use and better control and detection for hypertension and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular risk factors. A good mantra is “What is good for your heart is good for your brain”.
• Based on the evidence, brain health promotion messages should be integrated in public health promotion campaigns such as anti-tobacco or non-communicable disease (NCD) awareness campaigns, with the message that it’s never too late to make these changes.
• This report strongly suggests that dementia needs to be included on World Health Organization (WHO) and national NCD planning.
