up to 45% of the risk of dementia can be prevented or delayed

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today updated guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementiaproviding countries with evidence-based recommendations to prevent or delay the onset of dementia throughout life.

Dementia is a condition caused by diseases of the brain and affects memory, thinking and ability to function. More than 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, and nearly 10 million people are newly diagnosed each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is estimated to account for 60-70% of cases.

Although there is no cure for dementia, up to 45% of risk can be attributed to change risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition to health, dementia affects a person’s independence, dignity and safety.

“We know more today than ever before about what causes dementia risk, and these guidelines turn that knowledge into action,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries now have clear evidence-based recommendations that they can put into practice immediately to protect people’s cognitive health.”

The new WHO guidelines reflect the latest evidence and innovation in dementia risk reduction by providing proven interventions that can effectively reduce the risk of dementia through early awareness and timely action. They represent an important opportunity to reduce the burden of dementia in the coming decades by more strongly integrating non-communicable disease, mental health and brain health services.

Risk reduction, disease prevention

The updated guidelines reflect significant growth in the evidence base since WHO first issued recommendations on reducing the risk of dementia in 2019. They provide consolidated recommendations on addressing unhealthy behaviours, managing medical conditions and reducing exposure to environmental factors that may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.

The guidelines recommend several healthy behaviors and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of dementia, including cognitive training and cognitive stimulation and engagement in social activities for adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.

The updated advice also includes interventions that reduce the risk of NCDs, including increasing physical activity, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet and a new recommendation to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Managing cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol can also help reduce the risk of dementia. Furthermore, hearing aids can be offered as part of risk reduction strategies.

As an intervention to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and/or dementia, the guidelines do not recommend supplementation with vitamins B and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and multivitamins/minerals in the absence of a diagnosed deficiency, due to a lack of evidence of potential benefits that would outweigh unexpected adverse effects.

The human and economic cost

Dementia affects an individual’s ability to live, work and function independently, and represents a significant burden for families and caregivers. This carries a huge economic toll, costing the global economy around US$1.3 trillion annually. About half of these costs are caused by unpaid care provided by family and friends. Understanding risk factors and taking steps to prevent dementia can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives.