Grete Kjelvik, Postdoctoral Researcher, Ageing and Health, Norway: New Nordic report on dementia prevention in the Nordics
The report
Dementia prevention in the Nordics was presented by Postdoctoral Researcher Grete Kjelvik, the lead author who headed a team of experts in the process. The report provides an overview of dementia prevention work in the Nordics.
– The development in the field of dementia prevention has exploded in the last 10–15 years, with the number of scientific articles increasing remarkably every year, Grete Kjelvik says.
The research draws attention to the need for a holistic approach to dementia prevention, emphasised by the WHO statement that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain. Grete Kjelvik also highlighted the FINGER study, first published in 2015, which was the first in the world to demonstrate that lifestyle interventions can prevent dementia in older adults, as well as the evidence-based life-course risk factors presented by the Lancet Commission in 2017, 2020, and 2024.
The Nordic report is based on scientific evidence, grey literature, and interviews conducted both individually and within a reference group of experts from the Nordic countries.
– Each of the Nordic countries has its own approach to dementia prevention. While all have national dementia plans, they do not place much emphasis on primary prevention, nor do they provide clear recommendations on how to reduce the risk of dementia.
Nevertheless, the Nordic societies are structured in a way that promotes health and reduces the risk of developing dementia in many ways. Legislation and regulations cover areas such as smoking and alcohol control, as well as strong educational and health care systems. There are also targeted initiatives for dementia prevention at both national and local levels within the Nordic countries.
The report identified four key barriers and opportunities for the implementation of preventative measures for dementia: lack of public knowledge, challenges in reaching different subgroups with health information, insufficient financing and resources for preventative initiatives, and competing priorities within the health care system.
The report also identified areas for improvement in strategy implementation. There is a clear need to concentrate on raising awareness, both generally and among more vulnerable groups.
– The implementation of practices should focus on making healthy choices easy for everyone, promoting brain health and supporting cognitive function throughout the entire lifespan.
The report also underscores the need for further collaboration and the enhancement of knowledge sharing on dementia prevention.
– Dementia is a significant global challenge, and dementia prevention needs to be a key focus in the Nordic region in the coming years.
Grete Kjelvik emphasised that there is common lifestyle factors linked to the prevention and risk reduction of many diseases.
– This calls for a holistic approach to dementia prevention. The Nordic countries need a long-term strategy for dementia prevention, and it must be clearly integrated into the broader work on preventing other non-communicable diseases.