The PREVENT Dementia Programme has a number of publications which have been published across a range of peer reviewed journals and can be accessed through the links in the categories below.
Imaging -
View all [28]
Alzheimer’s & Dementia (2025)
DOI: 10.1002/alz.70244
Summary
Sleep problems are common in people with dementia and often start years before the diagnosis. However, it is not known to what extent these sleep problems are caused by early changes in the brain areas involved in controlling sleep. In this study we used data from sleep questionnaires and MRI brain scans in the PREVENT and ALFA cohorts, which are both large studies of middle-aged participants without dementia. We found that participants with an increased genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease (APOE4 gene carriers) had early changes in the hypothalamus, a brain region which is essential for sleeping well. These participants also had more sleep problems. Finally, we found that sleep problems increased with older age, but only in participants with a smaller hypothalamus. These results suggest that early changes in the hypothalamus may partially explain the relationship between sleep problems and the increased risk of dementia.
Cognition -
View all [11]
Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring (2026)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/dad2.70303
Summary
This study examined how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, together with cognitive reserve contributors, are associated with cognition in healthy mid-life individuals at risk for late-life Alzheimer’s disease. Using baseline data from the PREVENT Dementia cohort, the study assessed the relative contribution of dementia risk and reserve factors to cognitive performance. The key finding was that physically, socially, and intellectually stimulating activities were the top reserve contributor positively associated with cognition, particularly episodic and relational memory functions. In contrast, depressive symptoms and traumatic brain injury were the two modifiable risk factors most negatively associated with cognition. These findings highlighted the potential value of early, cost-effective, and multifactorial dementia prevention approaches from mid-life, with a focus on both reducing modifiable risks and boosting cognitive reserve through engagement in a variety of stimulating activities.
Other -
View all [13]
Farina, F. R., Bridgeman, K., Ntailianis, G., Griffith, J. W., Koychev, I., Malhotra, P., Muniz-Terrera, G., O;Brien, J.T., Lawlor, B., Ritchie, C.W. and Naci, L.
Aging and Mental Health (2026)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2681155
Summary
Dementia-related fear can influence help-seeking and engagement with prevention, yet it is unclear whether these responses vary with objectively measured dementia risk in midlife. This study which recruited participants from the PREVENT dementia programme, tested whether midlife risk was associated with subsequent dementia-related fear and avoidance. Higher midlife risk was associated with greater fear and avoidance. The study concluded that emotional and behavioral responses to dementia risk are evident in midlife, highlighting their potential relevance for mental health-informed communication and prevention strategies.
