March 04, 2026 - 195 views
Nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented by making changes to lifestyle and health, according to a new report from Public Health Wales.
The review of international research found that up to 45 per cent of cases are linked to risk factors people can do something about — challenging the long-held belief that dementia is simply an unavoidable part of getting older.
Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world. In 2019, around 57 million people were living with the condition globally. That figure is expected to almost triple to 153 million by 2050 as populations age. It is currently the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of disability among older people.
The financial cost is also rising sharply. Global costs were estimated at 1.3 trillion dollars in 2019 and are expected to more than double by 2030.
The new report highlights 14 risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing dementia across a person’s lifetime. These include smoking, heavy drinking, lack of exercise, social isolation and untreated hearing or sight problems. Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity also play a significant role.
Dr Mariana Dyakova of Public Health Wales said the evidence is now clear.
“Dementia is not inevitable,” she said. “By making changes to our lifestyle and environment, we can significantly reduce the risk. This is a call to action to prioritise brain health throughout life.”
The report draws on successful international examples, including Finland’s well-known FINGER trial, which combined exercise, healthy eating, brain training and better management of heart health in older people at risk of dementia. Participants showed measurable improvements in memory and thinking skills. The approach has since been adopted in other countries through a global network.
In Wales, ministers say the findings strengthen the case for early action. Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the Welsh Government is consulting on a new Dementia Strategy for Wales and urged the public to share their views.
The report takes what experts call a “life-course” approach — meaning the risk of dementia builds up over decades and is influenced not just by personal choices but also by wider social and economic factors.
Public Health Wales is encouraging people to take practical steps to protect their brain health, including staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, keeping socially connected and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Treating hearing and vision problems, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol can also make a difference.
Health leaders say these steps do not just lower the risk of dementia but improve overall wellbeing — offering benefits long before old age.
