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.
Top social determinants of dementia risk
For the study, researchers analysed long-term longitudinal data from older adults to explore the relationship between social factors, including marital status, living arrangements and income and the risk of developing dementia.
"Being married or in a partnership provides emotional and social support, which can help reduce stress and promote mental health, thereby lowering dementia risk," says Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW.
"Similarly, those who live alone or are socially isolated may lack the social interactions that are important for cognitive health, increasing the risk of dementia," he says.
Higher-income levels are also associated with lower dementia risk. "Higher household income is often associated with better access to healthcare, healthier living environments, and lower levels of chronic stress," says Chen.
"As for education, higher education levels are linked to greater cognitive reserve, which can delay the onset of dementia symptoms by making the brain more resilient to damage," she said.
Implications for businesses and society
The researchers say these findings have significant implications for businesses and workplaces, especially those in the healthcare and wellness sectors, where employee well-being is directly tied to job performance and overall health.
Focusing on reducing dementia risk can not only improve employee health but also bring economic advantages to businesses. "Reducing dementia risk can lead to significant economic benefits, including lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity within the workforce," says A/Prof. Hanewald.
This makes it particularly relevant for sectors that deal directly with health and wellness, where the demand for preventive measures is higher.
The research suggests that companies should look beyond just promoting physical health and integrate social interventions into their wellness programs.
"Companies should focus on initiatives that foster social interaction, such as team-building activities, social clubs, and community service projects, to improve employees' social environments," says A/Prof. Hanewald.
By enhancing lifestyle and social factors in the workplace, businesses can improve workforce well-being and help ageing populations.
Service providers, including financial institutions, could develop tailored products and services, such as retirement plans or affordable healthcare packages, that enhance economic stability for older adults.
"For society, these interventions can lessen the burden on healthcare systems and long-term care facilities while also enhancing the overall well-being and economic stability of older adults," she said.
The power of social connections and daily habits
Prof. Brodaty says that while we can't control every aspect of our environment, our daily choices can significantly impact brain health.
"Our research uncovers a powerful insight: your social connections and daily habits could be your brain's best defence against dementia," he says.
"By staying active and nurturing meaningful relationships, even in difficult circumstances, you can significantly reduce your risk."
The researchers hope these findings will encourage businesses to consider social factors when developing programs for ageing populations and encourage individuals to prioritise social connections alongside physical health.
"Designing good-quality wellness programs is an important element businesses can do to benefit society," says Prof. Brodaty.
"That means designing them for the holistic needs of people, including their social environment, not just their physical health."
