Awareness and Knowledge of Dementia Risk Reduction Among Healthcare Professionals in the Netherlands

A new study from Maastricht University has shed light on the awareness and knowledge of dementia risk reduction among current and future healthcare professionals in the Netherlands. The research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, found that while most professionals and students were aware of dementia risk reduction possibilities, there were significant knowledge gaps regarding specific risk factors such as hearing impairment, obesity, poor sleep, and chronic kidney disease. The study highlights the need for tailored educational modules to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to discuss dementia risk reduction in routine care.

Key Takeaways:

• A cross-sectional survey of 368 current and 692 future healthcare professionals in the Netherlands found that 79.1% of professionals and 54.1% of students were aware of dementia risk reduction.
• Highly educated individuals demonstrated greater awareness and better recognition of dementia risk factors than those with lower education levels.
• Both groups expressed interest in professional education on brain health promotion and dementia risk reduction.
• There were significant knowledge gaps regarding specific dementia risk factors such as hearing impairment, obesity, poor sleep, and chronic kidney disease.
• Few students received comprehensive education on dementia risk reduction as part of their studies.
• The study highlights the need for tailored educational modules to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to discuss dementia risk reduction in routine care.

Statistics:

• 79.1% of current healthcare professionals and 54.1% of students in the Netherlands were aware of dementia risk reduction.
• Highly educated individuals demonstrated greater awareness and better recognition of dementia risk factors, with 85% of those with a higher education level aware of dementia risk reduction compared to 73% of those with a lower education level.
• 60% of students and 80% of professionals expressed interest in further education on brain health and dementia risk reduction.
• The majority of professionals (71%) and students (42%) believed that education on dementia risk reduction should be a priority in future education programs.

Sources:

• "Awareness and knowledge of dementia risk reduction among current and future health professionals: A survey study". Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2025; 21(10).
• NewsRx. Study Data from Maastricht University Provide New Insights into Dementia (Awareness and knowledge of dementia risk reduction among current and future health professionals: A survey study). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 732.
• Maastricht University, "To lower future dementia incidence, there is an urgent need to implement dementia risk reduction strategies in routine care."