Project 2: Consensus workshop on public health policy for dementia risk reduction 

Background:

The Lancet Commission on Dementia prevention, intervention and care shows that various lifestyle factors and medical conditions may increase the risk of developing dementia. These include education level, hearing loss, hypertension, and air pollution exposure. However, there is a lack of evidence on which specific strategies effectively prevent dementia.

Aims and objectives:

We will gather experts in a workshop to look at how to translate existing evidence into public health policies that increase dementia prevention activities. We are interested in what specific policy recommendations can be made now based on available evidence, which risk factors need more evidence before interventions can be developed, and what that evidence should be. The workshop will explore how public health campaigns to reduce other risks, such as diabetes, might also reduce dementia risk, and how to balance messaging around personal versus societal responsibility.

Methods:

The workshop will bring together diverse experts from England, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, representatives from dementia charities, and individuals with lived experience. The group will review findings from a YouGov poll and recent research summaries, such as the Lancet Commission. Discussions will focus on developing national policy recommendations. After the workshop, we will circulate a draft report among participants and ask for feedback. The final report will outline evidence gaps and provide recommendations for policymakers, public health and research commissioners. We will also use it to inform our future research in the policy unit.

Policy relevance and dissemination:

This project aligns with the government’s focus on prevention. By addressing questions about achievable gains in prevention and shaping messaging to avoid inappropriately evoking feelings of individual blame, we will improve the effectiveness and acceptability of dementia prevention efforts. The consensus statement will be disseminated to a wide scientific and lay audience through media channels. This dissemination aims to ensure that the research findings and policy recommendations have a meaningful impact on public health discourse and decision-making.