The World Health Organisation (WHO) has that up to 45 per cent of dementia risk was linked to modifiable factors, meaning many cases could be prevented or delayed through healthier lifestyles and better management of medical conditions.
The world body made this known in a statement on Wednesday in an updated guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia through evidence-based interventions across the life course.
WHO said the recommendations provide countries with practical measures to protect brain health by integrating dementia prevention into noncommunicable disease, mental health and primary healthcare services.
According to the organisation, more than 57 million people are living with dementia worldwide, while nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year.
WHO noted that Alzheimer’s disease remained the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of all cases globally.
WHO Director-General, Dr TedrosGhebreyesus, said the updated guidelines translated growing scientific knowledge into practical actions that countries can immediately implement to safeguard cognitive health.
Ghebreyesus said the recommendations reflected the latest evidence and innovations in dementia prevention, offering proven interventions that can significantly reduce future disease burden.
He said that the guidelines advised adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment to engage in cognitive training, mental stimulation and regular social activities to help maintain brain function.
Ghebreyesus recommended increasing physical activity, quitting tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, following a healthy diet and limiting exposure to air pollution to lower dementia risk.
He stressed that effective management of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol can also reduce the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
According to him, hearing aids may be offered as part of dementia risk-reduction strategies for people with hearing loss.
He advised against the routine use of vitamin B, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids or multivitamin supplements solely for dementia prevention where no deficiency has been diagnosed.
The boss explained that current evidence does not show sufficient benefits from these supplements and potential harms cannot be ruled out.
He said that dementia affected memory, thinking, daily functioning and independence, while placing significant emotional, social and financial burdens on families and caregivers.
According to him, globally, dementia costs an estimated 1.3 trillion dollars annually, with about half of the economic burden resulting from unpaid care provided by relatives and friends.
He said this underscores the need for stronger prevention efforts.
