Story perspectives

45% Dementia Preventable; Sarcopenic Obesity Raises Risk

7/2/2026

Summary

Curtin Researchers Advise

Curtin University researchers say up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable through lifestyle changes.
Professor Mario Siervo of Curtin’s School of Population Health recommends interactive community-driven methods like online courses, risk profiling and peer-led sessions to motivate lifestyle shifts.
A Clinical Nutrition study of 500,000 adults over a decade found sarcopenic obesity raised dementia risk by 30% while obesity alone did not increase risk when muscle strength was maintained.

Summary

Stephan Tackles Dementia

Curtin’s enAble Institute will create community-based programs that address motivation and resource limits for dementia prevention.
Blossom Stephan, Chair in Dementia at Curtin’s enAble Institute, says many people wrongly view dementia as an inevitable part of aging.
She argues that this fatalistic belief lowers willingness to adopt preventive lifestyle changes.
She identifies limited time, financial constraints and low motivation as key barriers that policies must mitigate.

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Curtin Researchers Advise

Curtin University researchers say up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable through lifestyle changes.
Professor Mario Siervo of Curtin’s School of Population Health recommends interactive community-driven methods like online courses, risk profiling and peer-led sessions to motivate lifestyle shifts.
A Clinical Nutrition study of 500,000 adults over a decade found sarcopenic obesity raised dementia risk by 30% while obesity alone did not increase risk when muscle strength was maintained.

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