Potential for prevention of dementia in Denmark

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Introduction: According to previous estimates, 40% of dementia cases globally may be attributed to 12 potentially modifiable risk factors. Methods: We calculated national population attributable fractions (PAFs) for each risk factor and modeled the effects of proportional reductions in risk factor prevalence on dementia prevalence by calculating potential impact fractions (PIFs) for each factor. Results: The overall adjusted PAF for all risk factors was 35.2%. Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity accounted for 64% of the total prevention potential. The overall adjusted PIF was 4.1% at 10% risk factor prevalence reduction and 8.1% at 20% risk factor reduction. Discussion: Estimates of the potential for the prevention of dementia should be based on country-specific data on risk factor prevalence, as estimates based on global risk factor prevalence have limited relevance from a national perspective. Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity could be primary targets for prevention of dementia in Denmark. Highlights: Overall adjusted PAF for potentially modifiable dementia risk factors was 35%. Physical inactivity, hearing loss, hypertension, and obesity had the largest prevention potential. Estimates of prevention potential should be based on national risk factor prevalence.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume19
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)4590–4598
Number of pages9
ISSN1552-5260
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The Danish Dementia Research Centre is funded by the Danish Ministry of Health.

Funding Information:
The authors would also like to thank the DNHS for making the 2021 survey results publicly available. The DNHS was funded by the Capital Region, Zealand Region, South Denmark Region, Central Denmark Region, North Denmark Region, Ministry of Health, and National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.

    Research areas

  • dementia, epidemiology, population attributable fraction, prevention, risk factors

ID: 369473679