Nearly Half of Dementia Cases Could Potentially Be Prevented or Delayed
Summary
As Sri Lanka marks World Alzheimer’s Month 2026, Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation calls for greater awareness of brain health and dementia prevention Colombo, September 2026: This World Alzheimer’s Month, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) is placing dementia prevention at the heart of […]
As Sri Lanka marks World Alzheimer’s Month 2026, Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation calls for greater awareness of brain health and dementia prevention
Colombo, September 2026: This World Alzheimer’s Month, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF) is placing dementia prevention at the heart of its national awareness campaign, highlighting the importance of protecting brain health throughout life.
The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care estimates that around 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors across the life course. These include physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, hearing and vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, obesity, air pollution, depression, traumatic brain injury and limited educational opportunities.
“Forty-five percent is a powerful reminder that there are steps we can take throughout our lives to reduce the risk of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being its most common form,” says Professor Shehan Williams, President of the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation. “While not all dementia can be prevented and some risk factors cannot be changed, there is much that individuals, families, communities and policymakers can do to reduce risk, recognise changes early and create environments that support healthy ageing.”
25 years of making a difference
Founded in 2001, the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, as well as 15 years since the opening of its Activity, Service and Information Centre in Colombo.
Over the past 25 years, the Centre has become an important source of support for people living with dementia and their families. It provides a welcoming, person-centred environment where people with dementia can participate in meaningful activities that stimulate memory, encourage social connection and promote dignity and wellbeing.
Today, LAF’s services include free memory screening and cognitive assessments, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with early dementia, caregiver support groups, community awareness programmes, dementia-friendly community initiatives and educational resources.
Through its community outreach programmes, LAF also promotes greater understanding of dementia and practical approaches to reducing risk. LAF’s student volunteer, internship and observation programmes also provide future healthcare professionals with valuable exposure to non-pharmacological approaches to dementia care. School outreach, its trilingual website, social media campaigns and educational resources further extend dementia awareness to communities across Sri Lanka.
Moving, connecting and keeping the mind active
This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month activities will reinforce the message that protecting brain health can be part of everyday life.
Run to Remember – 5 September
Supported by Taj Samudra, the annual 5km Run to Remember brings together running enthusiasts and members of the public in solidarity with people living with dementia and their families. The event also highlights the importance of regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle and brain health.
Memory Walk – 19 September
Now in its 24th year, the annual Memory Walk, held with the support of Cinnamon Grand, will bring the LAF community and the public together for a 5km morning walk.Walking is an accessible way to remain physically active. When shared with family and friends, it can also strengthen social connections and help make physical activity a regular part of everyday life.
World Alzheimer’s Day – 21 September
LAF will mark World Alzheimer’s Day by celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Activity, Service and Information Centre. The event will recognise and honour the people living with dementia and their families, as well as the volunteers, healthcare professionals, donors, partners and supporters who have contributed to the Foundation’s work over the past 25 years.
A message for every age
LAF emphasises that dementia prevention is not a message only for older people. Brain health is a lifelong concern, and action to reduce dementia risk can begin at any age. This World Alzheimer’s Month, the message is simple: protecting brain health starts today. Take action, reduce your risks, recognise the signs, and help create a community where people can age with dignity, connection and support.
The Foundation encourages individuals and families to move more, stay socially connected, keep the mind active, manage health conditions, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, and pay attention to changes in memory and thinking.
For more information about the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation, its services and World Alzheimer’s Month activities, visit the Foundation’s trilingual website or follow its social media platforms.
Contact person: Methara Serasundera [email protected]
Lanka Alzhmier’s Foundation
Colombo 10
Helpline: + 94 11 266 7080
General Lines + 94 11 266 7082 / 266 7084
Mobile: + 94 76 082 7080
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.alzlanka.org