We are preventing some dementias now-But how? The Potamkin lecture.

Abstract

Most dementias are untreatable and their prevalence is increasing around the world. However, the incidence of dementia is declining in some countries. We need to find out urgently why and how and apply the lessons promptly and widely. Given the multiplicity and variability of environmental, socioeconomic, and individual risk and protective factors, the approach needs to be comprehensive, customized to work in a particular setting, and cost effective, to justify the needed funding. Stroke, heart disease, and dementia share the same major preventable risk and protective factors and pose risks for each other. Preventing them together might result in efficiencies and economies of scale. Prevention can best occur in existing actionable population health units through established leaders in government, non-governmental organizations, and the community, around a positive message of promoting brain health as the key to health, productivity, and well-being.