Dementia Risk: It’s More Than Genetics

arrangements, income, and education — as critical infuences on dementia risk.

“We’ve long known that lifestyle factors like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking reduce dementia risk. But our fndings reveal that social factors are just as important,” said Associate Professor Katja Hanewald of UNSW Business School.

The Poly Social Risk Score: Measuring Social Risk

To better understand the impact of social factors, the research team developed a ‘poly social risk score’, which aggregates 19 social determinants of health across fve domains:

• Economic stability

• Education

• Healthcare access

• Neighborhood environment

• Social context

“The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater social risk,” explained

Shu Chen, the lead researcher and a UNSW Business School Scientia PhD graduate.

This innovative tool could help businesses and healthcare providers identify individuals or groups at higher risk of dementia, enabling tailored interventions that address specifc social challenges.

Key Social Determinants of Dementia Risk

The study, which analyzed long-term data from older adults, highlights the profound impact of social factors on cognitive health: Marital Status

Being married or in a partnership offers emotional and social support that can reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing.

“This support helps lower dementia risk by reducing stress and fostering mental health,” said Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty, from UNSW’s Centre for

Healthy Brain Ageing. Living Arrangements ncome

Older adults living alone or experiencing social isolation often lack the interactions essential for cognitive health, increasing their risk of dementia.

Higher household income is linked to better access to healthcare, healthier living conditions, and lower levels of chronic stress, all of which reduce dementia risk.

Education

Greater levels of education build cognitive reserve, enhancing the brain’s ability to resist damage and delay dementia symptoms.

Implications for Businesses and Society

The fndings carry signifcant implications for businesses, especially those in healthcare, wellness, and employee wellbeing sectors.

“Reducing dementia risk benefts not just individuals but also businesses,” said

Hanewald. “It leads to lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, and higher workforce productivity.”

To address these social determinants, companies are encouraged to:

Foster social interaction through team-building activities, social clubs, and community service projects.

Integrate social support into wellness programs alongside physical health initiatives.

Develop tailored services, like affordable healthcare packages or retirement plans, to enhance economic stability for aging populations.

“By improving social factors in workplaces, businesses can help aging populations while also enhancing employee wellbeing and economic outcomes,” Hanewald added.

For society as a whole, these interventions could alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, and regular physical movement into daily life can offer powerful protection against cognitive decline. While it’s clear that physical activity remains the gold standard for brain health, this research highlights a key takeaway: not all sitting is bad, but the type of sedentary activity matters. reduce the need for long-term care, and enhance the quality of life for older adults.

By making thoughtful choices in how we spend our time, we can nurture both mind and body, reducing the risk of dementia and fostering long-term well-being.

Social Connections and Daily Choices: A Brain’s Best Defense

While genetics and environment play a role, the study emphasizes the power of daily habits and social connections in maintaining brain health.

“Our research uncovers a powerful insight: your social connections and daily habits could be your brain’s best defence against dementia,” said Professor Brodaty.

Simple steps, like staying socially active and nurturing meaningful relationships, can signifcantly lower dementia risk, even in challenging circumstances.

By focusing on both lifestyle and social determinants, individuals, businesses, and society can build a more supportive and proactive approach to cognitive health.