Staying Mentally Fit – Preventing Dementia with 10 Steps

In collaboration with the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG), the German Alzheimer’s Association (DAlzG) has developed an educational program on dementia prevention. As part of the National Dementia Strategy, the 90-minute lecture series “Staying Mentally Fit – Preventing Dementia with 10 Steps” was created, including a comprehensive manual and accompanying presentation slides. The lecture covers the basics of the brain’s structure and function, explains the effects of dementia, and highlights the differences between normal forgetfulness and pathological memory changes. The focus is on ten scientifically sound recommendations that address the 14 most important risk factors for dementia and can help reduce an individual’s risk of dementia.

The presentation materials have been available free of charge since spring 2025 to speakers with in-depth knowledge of dementia—such as those from Alzheimer’s associations, care support centers, senior centers or pharmacies—and have since been distributed over 600 times to interested individuals.

To make the educational program accessible to an even larger number of participants, a Train-the-Trainer program was established in 2026. This program qualifies speakers—even those without extensive prior knowledge of dementia—to independently deliver the presentation and spread knowledge about dementia prevention among the general public. Currently, 81 people are being trained in four parallel groups.

The program is based on the recognition that a healthy lifestyle can positively influence the risk of developing dementia. Physical and mental health, social activity, a balanced diet and the management of health risk factors can all help reduce the risk of dementia. However, awareness of this fact remains limited among the general public. The Train-the-Trainer program plays an important role in disseminating scientifically sound information on dementia prevention nationwide across various communities.

The program is aimed at professionals in adult education and health promotion, including those from adult education centers, public health departments, family and multigenerational centers, community centers, sports clubs, pharmacies and workplace health management programs. The goal is to expand the reach of these presentations nationwide and to address as many middle-aged and older adults as possible.

The program consists of three sequential virtual modules:

1. In the first module, the scientific foundations as well as the structure and content of the presentation are introduced. Participants receive the manual and presentation materials and prepare for their first event.
2. In the second module, open questions are addressed, organizational aspects of implementation are discussed and the experiences of existing active practice partners are incorporated.
3. The third module takes place after the first event has been conducted independently and serves as a forum for sharing experiences and joint reflection.

Participants without sufficient prior knowledge will also complete a basic module on dementia at the start. In addition, the DAlzG facilitates networking with regional Alzheimer’s associations and other experts who serve as tandem partners at events and provide professional support.

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of participation as well as a resource package containing informational materials from the DAlzG and the BIÖG. The program is continuously evaluated. This evaluation includes an assessment of the number of events held and participants reached, as well as feedback from facilitators and the audience. The results are continuously incorporated into the further development of the training content and materials, ensuring the long-term quality of the program.

For more information, please visit: https://www.deutsche-alzheimer.de/praevention