Time—or the lack thereof—could be a pivotal yet overlooked factor in dementia prevention, according to groundbreaking research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA). Published today in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study identifies time as a critical social determinant of brain health, potentially as influential as education and income.
The researchers argue that “temporal inequity,” or the unequal distribution of time across societal groups, may significantly hinder efforts to reduce dementia risk. Lead author and social determinants of health expert Associate Professor Susanne Röhr emphasized that while lifestyle factors such as sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and social engagement are known to bolster brain health, they all hinge on one crucial resource: time.
“Up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented if modifiable risk factors were eliminated,” Assoc. Prof. Röhr stated. “However, many people simply don’t have the discretionary time to exercise, rest properly, eat healthily, or stay socially connected. This lack of time—what we call ‘time poverty’—is a hidden barrier to dementia risk reduction.”
Understanding Time Poverty and Its Impact
The research highlights how structural conditions, such as long working hours, caregiving responsibilities, digital overload, and socioeconomic disadvantages, create “time poverty” that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. This exacerbates existing health inequities and limits opportunities for engaging in brain-healthy behaviors.
CHeBA Co-Director and co-author Professor Perminder Sachdev noted that recognizing time as a social determinant of health necessitates a paradigm shift in dementia prevention strategies. “Brain health policy and research have focused heavily on individual behavior change,” Prof. Sachdev explained. “But unless people are given the temporal resources to act on these recommendations, we risk leaving behind those who need it most. Just as governments act on income inequality, we need to act on temporal inequity.”
Policy Implications and Recommendations
The researchers call for policy and workplace reforms to support “temporal justice,” which involves measures that protect and redistribute time, enabling everyone to access opportunities for brain health. Suggested reforms include flexible working arrangements, rights to disconnect, affordable childcare, investment in public transport, and urban planning that reduces commuting times.
Co-author Associate Professor Simone Reppermund emphasized the need for future research to determine the realistic time required for brain care. “Our evidence suggests that at least 10 hours per day are required just for essential brain health activities such as sleep, meals, physical activity, and social interaction,” Assoc. Prof. Reppermund said. “For many, especially those in disadvantaged or caregiving roles, this simply isn’t achievable under current conditions. Addressing time poverty is therefore essential if we are serious about preventing dementia.”
Integrating Temporal Justice into Health Strategies
The authors argue that time must be recognized as both a resource and a site of inequity, urging governments, researchers, and communities to integrate temporal justice into dementia prevention strategies. This approach could lead to more equitable health outcomes and a reduction in preventable dementia cases.
As the global population ages and dementia rates rise, the findings of this research underscore the urgent need to reconsider how time is allocated and valued in society. By addressing time poverty, policymakers and health professionals can better support individuals in adopting brain-healthy lifestyles, ultimately contributing to the overall reduction of dementia risk.
For more information about the research and ongoing initiatives at CHeBA, visit their website at www.cheba.unsw.edu.au or contact Heidi Douglass at [email protected] or 0435579202.
