A new study, conducted by a global coalition of leading dementia experts, in collaboration with the Women’s Brain Foundation (WBF), has expanded the list of dementia risk factors first identified by the 2024 Lancet Commission. Published in The Lancet E-BioMedicine, the paper  “Broadening dementia risk models: building on the 2024 Lancet Commission report for a more inclusive global framework” challenges current understanding of dementia prevention and calls for a broader, more equitable approach. 

The 2024 Lancet Commission report identified 14 modifiable risk factors that could prevent around 45% of global dementia cases. This new study builds on that model by incorporating four additional, often overlooked drivers, such as poverty, wealth shocks, income inequality, and HIV infection rates.  

By integrating these factors, while also considering the influence of sex and gender, the authors demonstrate that up to 65% of dementia cases may be preventable. This recalibration not only better reflects global epidemiological patterns but also underscores the urgent need for dementia prevention strategies that account for women’s health realities. 

“Dementia is not gender neutral. Women carry both a higher disease burden and the social and economic weight of caregiving. Overlooked health threats, such as the increasing HIV burden among heterosexual women in certain parts of the world, further demonstrate why prevention frameworks must reflect women’s realities.” said Dr. Santuccione Chadha, CEO and Founder at WBF. “By broadening risk models, we can design interventions that are truly equitable and globally relevant.” 

The findings emphasize that current dementia prevention frameworks—largely based on high-income country data—miss key socioeconomic and gendered dimensions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where dementia rates are projected to rise fastest. Incorporating these additional risk factors is essential to ensure prevention strategies are inclusive, effective, and globally applicable. 


About the Women’s Brain Foundation 

The Women’s Brain Foundation is an independent Swiss-based non-profit research institute committed to closing the gender gap in brain and mental health. Through sex- and gender-precision research, advocacy, and education we champion equity in neuroscience and care. We foster a global community of interdisciplinary experts who conduct research and education, provide scientific advice and support, adapt emerging technologies such as AI to create solutions for better brain and mental health. Together, we strive to unlock the full potential of the women’s brain capital and drive meaningful change worldwide.
Website: www.womensbrainproject.com 

Learn about the recently launched WBF Educational Academy: https://www.womensbrainproject.com/membership/ 
 

Media Contact: 
Email: info@womensbrainfoundation.org