WHO Issues New Guidelines to Help Prevent Dementia

Dementia is a condition caused by brain diseases and affects memory, thinking and the ability to function.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated global guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, saying that up to 45 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life.

More than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Alzheimer's disease accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of all dementia cases.

Although there is no cure for the progressive and irreversible brain disorder, WHO said growing scientific evidence shows that many risk factors can be reduced through healthier lifestyles, better management of chronic diseases and reduced exposure to environmental hazards.

Growing Evidence

"We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people's cognitive health."

The updated guidance revises WHO's 2019 recommendations and reflects the latest scientific evidence on preventing cognitive decline throughout the life course.

WHO recommends:

Engaging in regular physical activity.
Quitting tobacco use.
Reducing alcohol consumption.
Following a healthy diet.

The guidance also highlights the importance of cognitive training, maintaining social engagement and effectively managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

For the first time, WHO recommends reducing exposure to air pollution as part of dementia prevention strategies. It also notes that the use of hearing aids may help lower dementia risk in some people.

However, the agency advises against taking vitamin B or E supplements, omega-3 fatty acids or multivitamins solely to prevent dementia unless a deficiency has been diagnosed. WHO said there is insufficient evidence to show that these supplements provide benefits that outweigh their potential risks.

Growing Global Burden

Beyond memory loss and cognitive impairment, dementia can undermine a person's independence, dignity and safety while placing significant emotional and financial burdens on families and caregivers.

WHO estimates that dementia costs the global economy about $1.3 trillion annually, with roughly half of that burden resulting from unpaid care provided by family members and friends.

The agency said integrating dementia prevention into programmes for noncommunicable diseases, mental health and brain health could help reduce the global burden of the disease while enabling more people to live longer, healthier and more independent lives.