WHO releases guidelines suggesting up to half of dementia cases could be prevented

The World Health Organization unveiled a set of evidence-based guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of dementia, estimating that about 45% of cases stem from modifiable factors. The organization said roughly 57 million people currently live with dementia, with an additional 10 million diagnosed each year, imposing a global economic burden of about $1.3 trillion annually.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the recommendations translate growing scientific knowledge into practical actions that countries can adopt to protect cognitive health. The guidelines identify tobacco and alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes as key risk factors.

Professor Kaarin Anstey, director of the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute and the sole Australian member of the WHO Guideline Development Group, noted that the guidance is based on a systematic review of interventions that can lower dementia risk. She emphasized that effective implementation will require support from governments and public-health systems.

The recommendations encourage healthy behaviours, including cognitive training, social engagement and physical activity, while stating that vitamin supplements are not supported by current evidence. Anstey added that maintaining brain health should be viewed as a lifelong commitment.