Overview
Dementia is a leading cause of death in Australia, and the relationship between rural living and dementia risk is not yet fully understood. The University of South Australia’s Re-ACTIVate project is changing that by partnering with regional communities to determine whether country Australians face higher dementia risk and, crucially, to co-create practical prevention tools tailored to rural life.
Re-ACTIVate builds on UniSA’s landmark ACTIVATE research, which showed that how older people spend their time can influence cognition and brain volume. The new study will compare dementia risk factors and brain health between rural and urban adults, with a focus on real-world prevention strategies that fit country life.
About Re-ACTIVate and its aims
The project will assess modifiable dementia risk factors among older rural Australians and then collaborate with communities to design a prevention toolkit that is achievable and relevant to life in regional areas. By putting rural voices at the center, the researchers aim to produce resources that reflect day-to-day realities, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why rural dementia prevention matters
Rural and remote communities often contend with longer distances to health services, fewer opportunities for regular physical activity, and distinct work and social patterns. These challenges can shape dementia risk, making targeted prevention essential to ensure equitable brain health across Australia. The Re-ACTIVate team emphasises equity—giving country residents the same opportunities to protect their brain health as those in cities.
What to expect in the coming months
Over the next six months, the UniSA team will map local services, engage with communities, and co-design actionable dementia prevention strategies. The final output will be a dementia prevention toolkit—a suite of user-friendly resources that help country people reduce risk and keep their brains healthy for longer.
Participants and co-design
Researchers are seeking participants aged 60–80 from the Yorke Peninsula for the Re-ACTIVate study, and adults over 18 from Port Lincoln and Berri (and surrounding areas) for co-design sessions. An online option will be explored to include others living in regional locations. To register interest or learn more, please contact Britt Burton at britt.burton@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
Outcomes and impact
Lead researchers emphasise that the project prioritises practical impact. As Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith notes, “We aim to develop an appropriate, scalable, and tailored toolkit that reflects the realities of rural life and genuinely improves brain health outcomes for future generations.”
Get involved
By partnering with local communities, Re-ACTIVate seeks to empower country residents to stay healthy, connected, and active. If you know someone in rural Australia who could benefit from a community-led approach to dementia prevention, consider sharing this initiative and encouraging participation.
