Closing the dementia awareness gap: why the UK needs a national dementia risk reduction campaign
April 2026
There is an urgent need to improve public awareness of the positive steps people can take to protect their brain health and reduce dementia risk.
Despite evidence that up to 45% of dementia cases globally could be prevented or delayed, public understanding of how to reduce dementia risk remains low.
That’s why Alzheimer’s Research UK has conducted a nationally representative poll of over 5,000 UK adults which found strong public interest in receiving this information and clear support for government leadership.
The report outlines why the government should lead a national dementia risk reduction campaign, delivered by the NHS, as part of a wider, cross‑government effort to prevent ill health.
To be successful this campaign with need to:
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Use one empowering “brain health” message framework, across all communication.
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Build on what already works: consistent, actionable guidance linked to wider health benefits.
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Align with existing government prevention priorities.
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Embed robust evaluation, accountability, and transparent reporting from the outset.
Closing the dementia awareness gap: why the UK needs a national dementia risk reduction campaign
There is an urgent need to improve public awareness of the positive steps people can take to protect their brain health and reduce dementia risk.
This report complements Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign by calling for coordinated national action to close the dementia risk awareness gap. Complete the Think Brain Health Check‑in to identify the simple steps you can take to look after your brain health.