What Is Precision Medicine? How Personalised Healthcare Works

Written by Robbie Clark, BExSc (Nutrition), M (Nutr+Diet), Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Exercise Scientist · Last updated 4 August 2026 · 5 references

Precision medicine, also known as personalised medicine, is a relatively new approach to healthcare. Instead of offering everyone the same "average" care, it combines information about your genes, your health data, your environment and your lifestyle to tailor prevention and treatment to you. Here's what it means, where it's already used, and what it could mean for conditions like dementia.

What is precision medicine?

Practitioners have always tailored care to the individual, taking into account things like age, sex, family history, existing conditions and personal preferences. Precision medicine goes further by relying much more on data, especially genomic data (information from your DNA), to work out which prevention and treatment options are most likely to work for you.

Genetic testing is getting faster and cheaper. That gives researchers more data from more diverse groups of people, and gives practitioners clearer reports to work with. But researchers are still uncovering what much of our genetic code means, and many practitioners are still building their skills in using it.

How is precision medicine different from standard care?

Here's how today's system compares with the vision for healthcare built on precision medicine:

Where is precision medicine already used?

Much of the vision is still emerging, but some parts are already in use:

• Choosing medicines based on your genes. Some genes affect how your body processes certain medicines. In a large European trial of nearly 7,000 people, using a 12-gene test to guide prescribing reduced clinically relevant side effects by about 30%.¹
• Carrier screening before or during pregnancy. Since November 2023, Medicare has funded screening for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome for people planning a pregnancy or in early pregnancy. About 1 in 20 Australians carries a gene variant for at least one of these conditions.⁴
• Identifying subtypes of disease that look the same on the surface but respond differently to treatment.
• Finding people at higher risk before disease develops, so they can be offered earlier checks or prevention.

Outside situations like these, genetic tests often have only a small effect on predicting your risk, and lifestyle, environment and ageing matter too.⁵ Genetic testing for medical reasons is best ordered and interpreted with a doctor, with genetic counselling where needed.

What could precision medicine mean for dementia?

Dementia is now Australia's leading cause of death. In 2024, it caused more than 17,500 deaths, or 9.4% of all deaths, overtaking coronary heart disease. It has been the leading cause of death for women since 2016.³ Alzheimer's disease is its most common form.

Some genes, such as APOE ε4, increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and a small number of families have rare inherited forms. Genetic research is helping researchers find people at higher risk before symptoms start, so they can take part in clinical trials of new treatments and, in future, be offered earlier prevention.

You don't need a genetic test to lower your risk, though. The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia estimated that about 45% of dementia cases are linked to 14 risk factors that can be changed, including high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, excess alcohol, obesity, high LDL cholesterol in midlife, hearing and vision loss, depression and social isolation.² A healthy diet, regular exercise and managing blood pressure and blood sugar are steps everyone can take.

What's next for precision medicine?

We've only scratched the surface of what genomic research can tell us. As it grows, precision medicine could improve how we prevent, screen for, diagnose, treat and monitor disease, by targeting care to the people most likely to benefit. In the meantime, the basics of a healthy lifestyle remain the foundation of good health for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

What is precision medicine in simple terms?

It's healthcare tailored to you, using your genes, health data, environment and lifestyle to choose the best prevention and treatment.

Is precision medicine the same as personalised medicine?

Yes, the two terms are generally used to mean the same thing.

Is dementia the leading cause of death in Australia?

Yes. In 2024, dementia overtook coronary heart disease as Australia's leading cause of death.³

Can you reduce your risk of dementia?

Yes. About 45% of dementia is linked to risk factors you can change, like blood pressure, physical activity, smoking and alcohol.²

Are at-home DNA tests worth it?

They can provide valuable insights into your health risk factors that you might not get through standard pathology testing. Talk to your doctor or health practitioner about any medically important result.⁵

References

Research

1. Swen JJ, van der Wouden CH, Manson LE, et al; Ubiquitous Pharmacogenomics Consortium. A 12-gene pharmacogenetic panel to prevent adverse drug reactions: an open-label, multicentre, controlled, cluster-randomised crossover implementation study. Lancet. 2023;401(10374):347–356. PubMed 36739136
2. Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024;404(10452):572–628. View source

Australian guidelines

3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia, 2024 (released 14 November 2025). View source
4. Rogers AP, Fitzgerald L, Liebelt J, Barnett C. Medicare-funded reproductive genetic carrier screening in Australia has arrived: are we ready? Med J Aust. 2024;220(8). View source
5. National Health and Medical Research Council. Understanding direct-to-consumer genetic DNA testing. View source

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you're interested in genetic testing or your personal health risks, speak with your doctor.