Population-level interventions for the primary prevention of dementia: a complex evidence review

Abstract

Summary: Dementia risk reduction is a global public health priority. Existing primary prevention approaches have favored individual-level interventions, with a research and policy gap for population-level interventions. We conducted a complex, multi-stage, evidence review to identify empirical evidence on population-level interventions for each of the modifiable risk factors identified by the Lancet Commission on dementia (2020). Through a comprehensive series of targeted searches, we identified 4604 articles, of which 135 met our inclusion criteria. We synthesized evidence from multiple sources, including existing non-communicable disease prevention frameworks, and graded the consistency and comprehensiveness of evidence. We derived a population-level intervention framework for dementia risk reduction, containing 26 high- and moderate-confidence policy recommendations, supported by relevant information on effect sizes, sources of evidence, contextual information, and implementation guidance. This review provides policymakers with the evidence they need, in a useable format, to address this critical public health policy gap. Funding: SW is funded by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Fellowship. WW and LF are part funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.