WHO Says 45% of Dementia Cases Could Be Prevented or Delayed
Updated
Updated · World Economic Forum · Aug 7
WHO Says 45% of Dementia Cases Could Be Prevented or Delayed
3 articles · Updated · World Economic Forum · Aug 7
Summary
Up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed, the WHO said in updated guidance aimed at reducing cognitive decline across the life course.
57 million people live with dementia worldwide and nearly 10 million new cases emerge each year, with the agency pointing to modifiable risks including smoking, harmful alcohol use, inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, high blood pressure and diabetes.
The guidance urges countries to fold brain health into primary care, mental health, ageing policy and non-communicable disease services, while adding recommendations such as cutting air-pollution exposure and offering hearing aids to adults with hearing loss.
WHO said evidence is insufficient to recommend vitamin B, vitamin E, omega-3 or multivitamin supplements for people without deficiencies.
Dementia has no cure and costs the global economy about $1.3 trillion a year, roughly half tied to unpaid care, underscoring the potential payoff from prevention.