Lack of free time could increase dementia risk
A lack of free time could be raising dementia risk, with researchers calling for action on ‘temporal inequity’ to protect brain health.
A new perspective article from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia argues that ‘time poverty’ – not having enough discretionary time – may limit people’s ability to prevent dementia, particularly among women and lower-income groups.
The researchers say people need sufficient time to support brain health through exercise, sleep, nutrition and social connection.
“Up to 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented if modifiable risk factors were eliminated,” says epidemiologist Susanne Röhr.
“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.”
The team estimates that around 10 hours a day are required for brain-care activities such as adequate sleep, healthy eating, physical activity and social interaction.
Yet, the pressures of modern life – from work demands to caring responsibilities – often make this unrealistic.
Women face particular challenges, handling most caregiving duties globally, while lower-income workers often have to work longer or irregular hours, further reducing their free time.
“For many, especially those in disadvantaged or caregiving roles, this simply isn’t achievable under current conditions,” says psychology researcher Simone Reppermund.
“Addressing time poverty is therefore essential if we are serious about preventing dementia.”
The researchers call for broader social measures, including improved childcare, more flexible work arrangements such as four-day work weeks, better public transport and the right to disconnect from work.
They warn that if such steps are not taken, dementia rates will continue to rise, with the greatest impact on disadvantaged populations.
“Brain health policy and research have focused heavily on individual behaviour change,” says neuropsychiatrist Perminder Sachdev.
“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.”
The researchers add that dementia-related lifestyle risks – such as loneliness, poor diet, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise and poor oral hygiene – all require time to manage effectively.
They say this highlights a shift from focusing solely on personal choice to recognising the wider structural barriers that stop people from reducing their dementia risk, even when they know what to do.
