New report explores how technology could support dementia prevention

Opportunities in dementia prevention

Through our innovation programmes, we identify, support and invest in innovations that transform the lives of people affected by dementia and the systems that support them. Dementia prevention is currently one of the biggest opportunities in dementia innovation.

Alzheimer's Society has collaborated with the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), Toronto Metropolitan University's National Institute on Ageing and the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance on a new report, Unlocking Dementia Prevention: The Role of Technology in Supporting Brain Health.  

What did the report explore?

Based on insights from 2,090 adults aged 40 and over across the UK and Canada, the report examines what people know about dementia prevention, the barriers they face when trying to adopt brain-healthy behaviours, and how technology could help bridge the gap between awareness and action.  

The research comes at a time when evidence continues to grow that up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to modifiable risk factors, highlighting the importance of supporting people to make and sustain healthy lifestyle changes.  

Findings on prevention awareness

The findings suggest that public awareness of dementia prevention is increasing, but that confidence in how to take action remains low.

• 68% of respondents agreed that dementia risk can be reduced.  
• 72% believed that actions taken during midlife or earlier have the greatest impact on reducing risk.  
• Only 43% felt informed about how to reduce their own risk.  
• Just 17% felt more than moderately confident in their ability to reduce their dementia risk.  

The report describes this as a significant "knowledge-to-action gap" where awareness exists, but many people struggle to translate that knowledge into meaningful and lasting behaviour change.  

How could technology help?

The report found that barriers to dementia prevention vary considerably. Some people struggle with motivation or changing established routines, while others face challenges around affordability, access to services or obtaining trusted guidance.  

Rather than a single solution, the findings suggest there is an opportunity for a range of innovations to support brain health. Respondents highlighted potential uses for digital tools, wearable technologies and online platforms that could:

• Encourage physical activity and social engagement.  
• Support management of chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure.
• Provide trusted information and guidance.  
• Help people track progress and build healthy habits.  

With 95% of respondents already using digital technology in their daily lives, the report points to significant opportunities for innovation to support prevention at scale.  

Why this matters

For Alzheimer's Society, this work reflects our commitment to supporting innovation across the entire dementia pathway, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment, care and support. Through our dementia innovation programmes, we work with innovators, researchers, clinicians and people affected by dementia to help develop, test and scale solutions that can create real-world impact.

By working alongside partners such as CABHI, we can help build the evidence, partnerships and innovation ecosystem needed to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing people affected by dementia, including preventing dementia from devastating lives in the future.