The World Health Organization (WHO) today published updated guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, providing countries with evidence-based recommendations to help prevent or delay the onset of dementia across the life course.
Dementia is a condition caused by a brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and functional ability. More than 57 million people worldwide have dementia, and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is estimated to account for 60-70% of cases.
There is no cure for dementia, but up to 45% of the risk may be due to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol consumption, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. Dementia goes beyond health, impacting a person’s independence, dignity and safety.
We know more today than ever before about what causes dementia risk, and these guidelines put that knowledge into action. Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations that they can immediately implement to protect people’s cognitive health. ”
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO’s new guidelines reflect the latest evidence and innovation in dementia risk reduction and provide proven interventions that can effectively reduce dementia risk through early recognition and timely action. These represent important opportunities to reduce the burden of dementia in the coming decades through stronger integration of services for non-communicable diseases, mental health and brain health.
Reduce risk and prevent disease
The updated guidelines reflect a significant increase in the evidence base since WHO first published recommendations on dementia risk reduction in 2019. These guidelines provide integrated recommendations for addressing unhealthy behaviors, managing medical conditions, and reducing exposure to environmental factors that can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.
The guidelines recommend several healthy behavioral and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of dementia, including cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, and participation in social activities for adults with normal cognition or those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
The updated advice also includes interventions to reduce the risk of NCDs, including new recommendations to increase physical activity, stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, adopt a healthy diet and reduce exposure to air pollution.
Managing cardiometabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can also help reduce your risk of dementia. Additionally, hearing aids may be provided as part of your risk mitigation strategy.
As an intervention to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, the guidelines do not recommend supplementation with vitamins B and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or multivitamins/minerals unless a deficiency has been diagnosed. This is because there is a lack of evidence that the potential benefits outweigh any unanticipated harmful effects.
human and economic costs
Dementia affects an individual’s ability to live, work and function independently and places a significant burden on families and caregivers. This results in significant economic losses, costing the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion annually. Approximately half of these costs are accounted for by unpaid care provided by family and friends. Understanding risk factors and taking steps to prevent dementia can improve health and quality of life and help people live longer, healthier and more independent lives.
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