Tanana Chiefs say up to 45% of dementia may be prevented or delayed

Up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 known risk factors, according to a Sept. 2, 2026 health advisory from Tanana Chiefs Conference to Interior Alaska residents.

The advisory builds on 2020 Lancet Commission modeling that linked 12 factors to 40% of dementia cases. That figure is a theoretical population estimate, not a guarantee for any one person.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide, the advisory notes.

Four or five healthy habits are tied to a 60% lower risk of dementia, regardless of a person's genetics, according to the advisory.

Hearing loss is the largest single modifiable factor, linked to up to 7% of cases. Using a hearing aid is tied to 19% to 33% lower risk, the advisory states.

Observational studies also link routine adult vaccines to lower dementia risk, including a 47% reduction tied to the shingles vaccine.

Tanana Chiefs Conference also recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Other steps include a healthy diet, blood pressure control, good sleep, staying mentally active, vision care, not smoking, limiting alcohol, treating depression, preventing head injuries and talking with a doctor about individual risk.

Alaska Native caregivers report high costs and a shortage of culturally safe training, a gap the advisory does not address.