The World Health Organization has issued new global guidelines stating that up to 45 percent of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed. More than 57 million people worldwide are living with the condition, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
Alzheimer's disease accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of all cases. WHO Director-General Tedros said, "We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action."
The updated recommendations, reflecting the latest scientific evidence, include:
- Regular physical activity
- Stopping tobacco use
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet
- Cognitive training and social engagement
- Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Reducing exposure to air pollution (new)
- Using hearing aids for those with hearing loss (new)
The guidance explicitly advises against taking vitamin B, E, or omega-3 supplements solely for dementia prevention, citing insufficient evidence of benefit.
The global economic cost of dementia is estimated at $1.3 trillion annually. WHO says integrating prevention into broader health services could reduce this burden and allow more people to live longer, independent lives.