Dementia prevention
UCL's latest research supports dementia prevention through positive lifestyle changes, leveraging technology for better brain health.
Dementia is a growing concern, affecting 7% of the UK's population aged 65 and above. The condition not only impacts individuals but also their families and the broader economy. Researchers at UCL's Division of Psychiatry are exploring new ways to help prevent dementia. Their groundbreaking work, which has been recognized internationally, shows that it may be possible to reduce the chances of developing dementia by focusing on certain lifestyle and health factors, ranging from educational level and hearing loss to lifestyle choices such as smoking and physical inactivity. This research has laid the groundwork for proactive measures in dementia prevention.
Building on this work, UCL researchers have initiated the ENHANCE research programme, aimed at mitigating these risk factors through a tailored app intervention which uses games, videos, and coaching to motivate positive lifestyle changes. Funded by NIHR, the programme's goal is to evaluate its impact on cognitive function, risk reduction, quality of life, and to see if it’s a cost-effective way to prevent dementia. The focus is on making this technology work for everyone, and especially people from disadvantaged and minority ethnic groups who are at the highest risk and could benefit the most, ensuring the research has wide and meaningful impact.
Useful contacts
For more information, contact these researchers
Professor Sergi Costafreda
Email: s.costafreda@ucl.ac.uk
Professor Gill Livingston
Email: g.livingston@ucl.ac.uk