Dementia Prevention Program Expands Across Australia
17 Jun 2026
The Maintain Your Brain (MYB) trial, co-developed by Professor Henry Brodaty, previously involved more than 6,000 people aged 55–77 in New South Wales between 2018 and 2021.
Following strong results, the program is now being expanded through a new initiative called MYB+, supported by a $3 million Federal Government grant.
Over the next five years, researchers aim to recruit around 5,000 Australians aged 45–79, with a particular focus on people living in rural and regional communities.
The original study compared standard dementia information with a personalised online program that included coaching on physical activity, nutrition, cognitive health, and mental wellbeing. Participants who received the tailored intervention showed significantly better cognitive outcomes over three years.
The expanded MYB+ program will work with Primary Health Networks, GPs, community groups and consumer organisations to deliver dementia risk-reduction strategies on a broader scale.
GP and Dementia Australia honorary medical advisor Dr Marita Long said prevention remains the best approach, as there is currently no cure for dementia.
She noted that many preventive activities already carried out in general practice, such as managing cardiovascular risk factors, can also help support brain health. The new program will encourage a stronger focus on additional dementia risks, including social isolation, hearing and vision loss, diabetes, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Professor Perminder Sachdev said MYB+ offers a practical and evidence-based way to help Australians maintain their health, independence and quality of life for longer.
Researchers hope the expanded program will provide valuable insights into how dementia risk can be reduced at a population level through early intervention and preventive care.
Dementia Prevention Program Expands Across Australia
Source: newsGP