Reducing Dementia Risk: New Research & Practical Applications

Gain insights on how to apply evidence-based research for risk reduction for dementia.

This course provides encouraging evidence on how prevention, intervention, and care can reduce the risk of dementia. Highlights include the fact that aging populations are increasing worldwide, and the number of new dementia cases can be lowered by addressing key modifiable factors such as hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, and air pollution.

The required reading notes that improving early education, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and reducing social isolation may help support brain health. It also recognizes that cultural factors, resource availability, and socioeconomic conditions can influence access to prevention and care. The findings suggest that implementing inclusive and equitable public health strategies could help prevent or delay up to 50% of dementia cases.

This course is essential for health professionals because it:

• Applies the latest global research to real-world care.
  Highlights 14 modifiable risk factors (such as hypertension, obesity, hearing loss, diabetes, and social isolation) that together could prevent or delay up to approximately half of dementia cases.
• Supports interprofessional practice.
  Dementia prevention and management involves physicians, dietitians, nurses, therapists, and social workers. The course emphasizes team-based approaches to risk reduction, early intervention, and holistic patient support.
• Promotes early identification and patient education.
  Health professionals learn how to screen for dementia risk factors during routine care and counsel patients on lifestyle changes that promote brain health.
• Improves population health outcomes.
  By addressing modifiable risks—like physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet, and social isolation—participants can help reduce dementia incidence in their patient populations and communities

This course is appropriate for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs) working in various health fields. The case-study based continuing professional education exam reviews key aspects of the required reading and assists the learner with practical application to the content.

Course includes eDocument (including a link to the required reading in the course document), electronic test and 1 certificate with passing grade.