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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Health Policy

Background:

• Translating dementia risk reduction evidence into equitable public health policy is challenging.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Research Policy Research Unit in Dementia and Neurodegeneration (DeNPRU-QM) addressed this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop actionable policy recommendations for dementia risk reduction in England.
• To provide guidance for dementia prevention strategies in other countries.

Main Methods:

• Convened a multidisciplinary panel of 40 experts.
• Conducted a 2-day workshop and a three-round modified Delphi survey.
• Evaluated and refined statements on dementia prevention and risk reduction.

Main Results:

• Achieved consensus on 56 recommendations across four domains: public health messaging, individual interventions, population interventions, and research commissioning.
• Emphasized addressing health inequalities to prevent exacerbating disparities.
• Highlighted the need for clear communication, targeted interventions, and sustained research investment.

Conclusions:

• The recommendations offer a foundation for evidence-based dementia prevention strategies.
• Prioritizing equity and addressing structural inequities is crucial for dementia risk reduction.
• Cross-sector advocacy is vital for policy adoption and implementation.