The future of dementia risk reduction research: barriers and solutions

BACKGROUND: We examine why dementia prevention and risk reduction are relatively underfunded and suggest potential remediation strategies. The paper is aimed at researchers, funders and policy-makers, both within dementia and also the wider health prevention field. METHODS: A discussion-led workshop, attended by 58 academics, clinicians, funders and policy-makers. RESULTS: The key barriers identified were the gaps in understanding the basic science of dementia; the complex interplay between individual risk factors; variations in study methodology; disincentives to collaboration; a lack of research capacity and leadership and the broader stigma of the condition. Recommendations were made to encourage strategic leadership, provide greater support for grant applications, promote collaboration and support randomized control trials for the research field. CONCLUSION: Having identified the barriers, the key challenge is how to implement the potential solutions. This will require engagement with decision-makers within funding, policy and research to ensure that action takes place.