WHO warns indoor air pollution boosts dementia risk, issues prevention guidelines

The World Health Organization released updated dementia‑prevention guidelines, estimating that up to 45 % of cases could be avoided or delayed by eliminating modifiable risk factors. Among the new recommendations is a conditional advice to reduce exposure to indoor and ambient air pollution, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle emissions and fireplace smoke. The guidance emphasizes a diet rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil, regular physical activity, and daily cognitive stimulation, while advising against vitamin and mineral supplements for dementia risk reduction.

Research highlighted by the WHO panel notes that indoor air pollutants are linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cognitive harm. Prof Francis Pope of the University of Birmingham warned that indoor air pollution from everyday activities—cooking, heating, burning incense—can increase risks of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious illnesses. The WHO director‑general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for government action to implement the evidence‑based recommendations worldwide.