The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated global guidelines stating that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable health and lifestyle risk factors. The recommendations aim to help countries reduce the growing burden of dementia through evidence-based interventions.
Key Recommendations
As per the WHO news release, people can lower their dementia risk by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, quitting tobacco, reducing harmful alcohol use, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and remaining socially engaged. For the first time, WHO has also identified air pollution as a modifiable risk factor for dementia.
Focus on Prevention
Moreover, WHO recommends timely detection and treatment of hearing loss and encourages cognitive training to support brain health. However, it advises against the routine use of vitamin, omega-3 and multivitamin supplements to prevent dementia in people without diagnosed deficiencies, citing insufficient evidence of benefit.
Rising Global Burden
Currently, more than 57 million people live with dementia worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases reported each year. Therefore, WHO urges governments to integrate dementia prevention into primary healthcare and noncommunicable disease programmes to protect cognitive health across the lifespan.