All prevention pilots

Pilot 016

Forebyggende pilot i norske kommuner (english version: Prevention of risk factors for dementia and stroke- a pilot in Norwegian municipalities )

HELSEDIREKTORATET NO

About the pilot

The purpose is to conduct a pilot project in six to eight Norwegian municipalities to test a service model for individuals who wish to assess their own risk for dementia and/or stroke, as well as receive advice on maintaining good brain health. The service will include follow-up support with access to the self-training program called “Hjerneløftet”, as well as recommendations for preventive measures and information about health-promoting services available in the municipality. Hjerneløftet is a Norwegian, research‑based program that helps people strengthen their brain health through simple, everyday lifestyle changes. It provides short lessons with practical tips on physical activity, nutrition, sleep, social engagement, and mental stimulation. It is designed as an accessible, low‑threshold resource for anyone who wants to take proactive steps to care for their brain.Follow-up and individualized recommendations for lifestyle changes will primarily be provided by the municipal healthcare services, such as Healthy Life Centers. The target group consists of healthy individuals aged 55 or older who wish to undergo a risk assessment for dementia and stroke, and who reside in one of the municipalities included in the project. The pilot focuses on individual-centered preventive measures.

Objectives

Primary objective

To test a service model for individuals who wish to assess their own risk for dementia and/or stroke in Norwegian municipalities.

Expected outcomes

The pilot is expected to improve identification of individuals at increased risk of dementia and stroke and increase awareness of modifiable risk factors. It aims to enhance understanding of preventive information, support motivation for lifestyle change, and facilitate appropriate follow-up in primary care. The evaluation focuses on participants’ experiences of information and follow-up, as well as feasibility and usability in clinical practice.

Results

Not available yet. The pilot has not yet been implemented, and no evaluation data have been collected. Data collection will include questionnaire responses from participants and healthcare professionals, as well as qualitative interviews with general practitioners to assess implementation and user experience.

Lessons learnt

Not available yet. The pilot has not yet been implemented, and lessons will be identified during the implementation and evaluation phases.

Sustainability and transferability

To be able to disseminate the results of the pilot, we will benefit from strong support from the Competent Authority, as well as good collaboration with municipalities and volunatary organizations. Some factors are important for sustaining the norwegian pilot ; for example designing the pilot with flexibility to expand or adapt different local context, stakeholder ownership, keep need of human resources/health personell at a minimum.

Related best practices

The Best Practices selected for WP7 is SmartAging Midbrain

Best Practice recommends using e‑health and mHealth tools to e.g. support healthy ageing, prevent cognitive decline. It focuses on technological innovation and promotion of healthy cognitive ageing. Best practice‑based technology is applied in the pilot, where we are using "Hjerneløftet" as a Norwegian, research‑based program that helps people strengthen their brain health through simple, everyday lifestyle changess, developed by Ageing and Health. It provides short lessons with practical tips on physical activity, nutrition, sleep, social engagement, and mental stimulation. The goal of Hjerneløftet is to reduce the risk of dementia by encouraging habits that support long‑term cognitive health. It is designed as an accessible, low‑threshold resource for anyone who wants to take proactive steps to care for their brain.