WHO releases advice to lower dementia risk by 45%
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The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines aiming to reduce dementia cases globally, after a 2024 review found up to 45 percent of cases might be preventable or delayed.
Scientists continue to study the causes of dementia, which involves a decline in cognitive function, but have identified factors that can increase risk. The WHO recommends people stay physically and socially active, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, eat a healthy diet, and manage conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The organization also highlighted the importance of addressing hearing and vision loss, though current evidence doesn’t fully support treating vision impairment specifically to prevent dementia. They noted that factors like early education and air pollution contribute to risk, but are harder for individuals to control. The WHO advises against using vitamins B or E, omega-3 supplements, or multivitamins solely to prevent dementia, as trials haven’t proven their effectiveness and they can have negative side effects.
They emphasize that a holistic approach to health, caring for the body and mind, is key, and that even delaying some cases could significantly impact the tens of millions of people worldwide currently living with dementia.
