Understanding how social factors influence dementia risk can help businesses play a key role in supporting the needs of ageing populations.
Social factors are becoming increasingly recognised as key contributors to dementia risk - a condition marked by significant loss of cognitive function, affecting thinking, memory, and reasoning, and interfering with daily life. Research findings, co-led by UNSW Business School and UNSW Medicine, offer insights for the healthcare and wellness sectors to develop targeted strategies.
More people are living longer, and the risk of dementia is a growing concern. However, it turns out that social factors, not just genetics and lifestyle, play a significant role in cognitive health.
Dementia Australia says that in 2024 it is estimated there are more than 421,000 people living with a form of dementia in Australia. This figure is projected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054 and the illness is set to become the leading cause of death among Australians.
UNSW research suggests that marital status, living arrangements, income, and education are among the top social determinants influencing dementia risk. The findings, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, highlight the importance of considering social factors in dementia prevention strategies.
"We know that a healthy lifestyle - factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can reduce dementia risk, but our study shows that social factors are equally important," says Associate Professor Katja Hanewald, UNSW Business School, who contributed to the UNSW research.
"And while more businesses are developing programs for ageing populations, too few are considering these crucial social determinants."
A new tool for assessing social risk
The research team developed a "poly social risk score" to assess overall social risk. This score aggregates 19 social determinants of health across five domains.
"The polysocial risk score was developed using Principal Component Analysis to aggregate social determinants across economic stability, education, healthcare access, neighbourhood environment, and social context," says Shu Chen, a UNSW Business School Scientia PhD graduate, who led the research.
"The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater social risk," she said.
This tool could help businesses and healthcare providers identify individuals or groups at higher risk and tailor interventions accordingly.
