The Nottingham consensus on dementia risk reduction policy: recommendations from a modified Delphi process

Translation of evidence about dementia risk and its reduction into effective, equitable public health policy is a major challenge. To address this challenge, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Policy Research Unit in Dementia and Neurodegeneration at Queen Mary University of London (DeNPRU-QM) convened a multidisciplinary panel of 40 experts from across England, with diverse lived, academic, clinical, policy and advocacy experience, at various career stages, and of diverse gender and ethnicity, to develop actionable policy recommendations for dementia risk reduction. Through a 2-day in-person workshop and a subsequent three-round modified Delphi survey, the panel evaluated and refined statements on dementia prevention. The panel achieved consensus on 56 recommendations in four domains: public health messaging, individual-level interventions, population-level interventions and research commissioning. A key priority across all domains was the need to consider and address health inequalities so that prevention efforts do not exacerbate existing disparities. Our recommendations provide policymakers with a robust foundation for designing and implementing an evidence-based dementia prevention strategy in England and provide guidance that can inform approaches in other countries and contexts. By prioritizing clear communication, targeted intervention and sustained research investment, the recommendations can help to address structural inequities and advance dementia risk reduction. Ongoing cross-sector advocacy will be crucial in driving policy adoption and implementation.