Young Adults Identified as Key to Global Dementia Prevention Efforts

A new paper by an international team of researchers, including Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Francesca Farina and Laura Booi, highlights young adulthood (ages 18–39) as a critical yet overlooked stage for dementia prevention. 

^{Some of the study authors pictured in July 2024. Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association.}

Published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study underscores that many risk factors for dementia—such as hearing loss, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle habits—are already prevalent in young adults, presenting a unique opportunity for early intervention.

The paper, led by the Next Generation Brain Health team, convened experts from 15 countries to explore brain health promotion strategies in young adulthood. Findings advocate for tailored research and policies that engage younger generations as partners in preventing dementia.

The authors recommend increasing public awareness of brain health through education in schools and tailored public health campaigns that empower young adults to make healthier choices. They also call for greater attention to sex- and gender-specific factors, such as the impact of intimate partner violence and hormonal health, which can disproportionately affect brain health outcomes in women.

Recognizing global inequalities, the authors stress the need for targeted efforts in low- and middle-income countries and minority communities, where exposure to risk factors such as air pollution, limited education, and poor healthcare access is particularly high. The study urges national governments to introduce brain health charters with clear timelines, and financial commitments, alongside the creation of young adult advisory councils to ensure diverse representation in shaping brain health strategies.

"Young adulthood represents a pivotal window for intervention that could significantly reduce the risk of dementia later in life," said lead author Francesca Farina, PhD. "To secure healthier brain outcomes, young adults must be included as key partners in research, education, and policymaking efforts."

Laura Booi, senior author, PhD, added, “There is a real appetite for young adults to learn more about their brain health—they are highly aware of cognitive and neurodiversity, with many identifying with diagnoses like ADHD or autism. This awareness drives their strong interest in understanding and improving their brain health.”

About the Study

The full paper, titled “Next Generation Brain Health: Transforming Global Research and Public Health to Promote Dementia Prevention,” is available in The Lancet Healthy Longevity: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100665.

Contact Details

For more information, please email: francesca.farina@gbhi.org or laura.booi@gbhi.org