Dementia is not inevitable, says Public Health Wales, and these are the risk factors
An estimated 42,000 people aged 65 and over in Wales are living with dementia, a figure predicted to rise by 37% to nearly 70,000 by 2040.
A new report from Public Health Wales says up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors throughout life.
Those risk factors include physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, untreated hearing and vision loss, social isolation, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, depression, air pollution, traumatic brain injury, and low educational attainment.
The 45% figure comes from the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, cited in the report.
Dementia-related costs in Wales currently total £2.3 billion a year, mainly driven by unpaid family care and social care.
That figure is projected to reach £4.6 billion by 2040, according to the report.
Across the UK, around 944,000 people are living with dementia.
The condition was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2022, responsible for 74,000 deaths.
Dr Mariana Dyakova, Head of International Health and Well-being Economy Lead at Public Health Wales, said: “The evidence is clear; dementia is not inevitable. 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. Prevention is not only possible, it is powerful, and the benefits extend far beyond dementia to improve overall health and wellbeing.”
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “I welcome this Public Health Wales report, which strengthens the case for early, sustained action to protect brain health.”
She added: “We are committed to improving services and support for people with dementia and are consulting on a new Dementia Strategy for Wales. I would urge people to share their views and help shape the future of services and support.”
The report highlights international approaches to dementia prevention, including Finland’s FINGER trial.
That two-year programme combined physical activity, healthy eating, cognitive training, and management of cardiovascular risk factors in older adults at elevated risk of dementia.
Participants in the intervention group showed cognitive function 25% higher than those in a control group.
The model is now being adapted in more than 60 countries through the World-Wide FINGERS network.
Wales had a Dementia Action Plan running from 2018 to 2022.
The Welsh Government allocated £12.7 million annually to Regional Partnership Boards for its delivery.
Work is now underway on a successor strategy, with a public consultation currently open.
The report was produced by Public Health Wales’ Policy and International Health Directorate, a WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being.
It reviewed evidence from five countries: Finland, Japan, South Korea, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.
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