WHO: Up to 45% of Dementia Cases Preventable Through Lifestyle Changes

The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines stating that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or postponed by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Currently, more than 57 million people live with dementia worldwide and around 10 million new cases are recorded each year; Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60‑70% of all cases.

Key risk factors identified include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation, physical inactivity, air‑pollution exposure, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. The WHO advises regular physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and reducing exposure to air pollution. Managing cardiometabolic conditions and using hearing aids when needed are also recommended. The organization does not endorse routine use of vitamins B, E, omega‑3 fatty acids, multivitamins or mineral supplements for dementia prevention, except where a deficiency is diagnosed. WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that countries already have evidence‑based recommendations ready for immediate implementation.