DCU-led research group highlights way forward for dementia prevention
Fifty dementia experts from across Europe is meeting in Dublin this week to discuss how dementia prevention can translate into national policy. The symposium is discussing preliminary findings of the In-MINDD (Innovative, Midlife Intervention for Dementia Deterrence) group, an EU-funded research project that aims to spread the message that action can be taken in midlife to prevent and/or delay dementia onset in future years.
Dementia results in serious memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language beyond what might be expected from normal ageing, enough to interfere with daily life. In Ireland, the number of people with dementia is estimated at approximately 48,000.
The risk of dementia increases with age, and as the population ages, a steady growth in the numbers of people with dementia is forecast, with an expected doubling in the next 20-25 years. Dementia is estimated to cost around €1.69bn per annum (Connolly et al., 2014).
The research group has identified 12 separate risk factors which, with the necessary, early intervention, can lessen the risk of developing dementia in older age - depression, midlife hypertension, physical inactivity, diabetes, midlife obesity, hyperlipidemia, smoking, coronary heart disease, renal dysfunction, diet and cognitive activity. However, the study also identified a low level of understanding of these factors and preventative measures amongst health professionals and those living with dementia. In fact, genetics were often perceived to be a more significant factor than an individual’s lifestyle and actions.
In-MINND focuses on lifestyle assessment, promotion of long-term brain health and dementia prevention/delay. The project partners have developed online tools to assess if a user’s lifestyle supports long term brain health, to devise a personalised strategy for a brain healthy lifestyle and to help the user implement their programme for change. They believe that a blended approach of e-health and face-to-face interaction is the most sustainable approach for large-scale uptake of preventative measures.
Dr Kate Irving, of DCU’s School of Nursing and leader of the In-MINDD project said,
“The current estimates highlight dementia as one of the leading societal challenges faced by our society, requiring effective policy and program responses and skilled practice to meet the needs of people with dementia and their families. Accordingly, it is critical to provide access to data and findings from available research to inform policy, planning and practice in relation to dementia.”
Dr Irving continued,
“From our research, it is clear to us that integration of dementia prevention into mainstream chronic disease prevention is essential if society and individuals are to benefit from a decrease in the prevalence of dementia. This will require skill and effort from a wide range of stakeholders: researchers, general practitioners, policy makers, community nurses, health promoters and experts from other chronic disease areas, where prevention strategies have already achieved large scale success.”
The In-MINND project will end on October 31st 2015 and has involved 450 patients across 36 GP practices in Ireland, Scotland, France and the Netherlands.