Research shows that young adults are taking steps to reduce dementia risk later in life

The study, part of the Next Generation Brain Health (NextGen) project, explores the perceptions that young adults have of their own brain health. The research shows that there is an appetite for them to learn more about brain health, and what they can do to lower their risk of getting dementia.

This research comes at a pivotal moment - the Lancet 2024 Dementia Commission recently highlighted that 45% of lifestyle-associated dementia risk can be attributed to 14 potentially modifiable risk factors, many of which develop earlier in life.

Dr Laura Booi, senior research fellow in Leeds Beckett University's Centre for Dementia Research, and the NextGen project have found that there is a desire for young adults to learn more about brain health, and what they can do to ensure they lower their risk of getting dementia later in life.

Dr Booi said: "Many people don't realise there are things you can do now to reduce your risk of dementia later. Through our Next Generation Brain Health project, we see that young adults are eager to learn how to protect their brains. Many are already managing diagnoses like ADHD or autism, making them more invested in brain health and finding ways to improve it."

NextGen also had a highly acclaimed consensus paper in the Lancet Health Longevity which explored the current research and the public health measures promoting prevention of dementia starting in young adult populations.

The work highlights the importance of engaging younger people in understanding and addressing brain health risk factors early, and hopefully paving the way for healthier futures.