Professor Li Su authors key study about dementia prevention and genetic risks
Professor Li Su, Associate of Clare Hall, is one of the main authors in a new paper about young adulthood (ages 18-39) as a critical yet overlooked stage for dementia prevention.

The study brought together an international team of experts from 15 countries, and was led by the Next Generation Brain Health team to explore brain health promotion strategies in young adulthood. The paper, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, highlights the potential of early intervention for preventing dementia, as many of the risk factors (hearing loss, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle habits) are already prevalent in young adults.
The authors suggest that research and policies should engage young adults as partners in preventing dementia, and increasing public awareness of brain health can empower younger generations to make healthier choices. This includes a greater focus on sex- and gender-specific factors, such as the impact of intimate partner violence and hormonal health, which can disproportionately affect brain health outcomes in women. On a broader level, the authors also highlight the importance of recognising global inequalities in low- and middle-income countries and minority communities, where the exposure to risk factors such as air pollution, limited education, and poor healthcare access is particularly high.
“Young adulthood represents a pivotal window for intervention that could significantly reduce the risk of dementia later in life,” said Dr. Francesca Farina, lead author. “To secure healthier brain outcomes, young adults must be included as key partners in research, education, and policymaking efforts.”
Dr. Laura Booi, senior author, added, “There is a real appetite for young adults to learn more about their brain health- they are highly aware of cognitive and neurodiversity, with many identifying with diagnoses like ADHD or autism. This awareness drives their strong interest in understanding and improving their brain health.”
Professor Li Su has pioneered the investigation of early risk factors for dementia. His team has published a collection of results showing that not only modifiable risk factors of dementia, but also genetic risks which people inherit from birth, already have effects on how the brain forms and functions in young adults. Their work was summarized in a recent review article in Ageing Research Reviews. Professor Li Su said, “Putting the growing evidence about ultra-early alternations in the brain related to the increased genetic risk of dementia in young people, along with a clear voice from the young people themselves focusing on brain health, ensures that nobody should ignore the importance of dementia prevention in young adults now.”
The full paper, titled “Next Generation Brain Health: Transforming Global Research and Public Health to Promote Dementia Prevention,” is available in The Lancet Healthy Longevity: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100665. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00191-0/fulltext