New guidance from the World Health Organization: 45 percent of the risk of dementia can be prevented or delayed

The World Health Organization (WHO) today published updated guidelines for reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for countries to prevent or delay the lifetime risk of dementia. Dementia is defined as a condition that occurs due to brain diseases and affects memory, thinking ability and daily life functions.

What happened?

The new guidelines published by WHO reflect the latest scientific evidence and innovations to reduce the risk of dementia. These guidelines provide clear recommendations for countries to take immediate action to protect people's cognitive health. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his statement on the subject, "Today, we have much more information about what triggers the risk of dementia than in the past, and these guidelines turn this knowledge into action." “Countries now have evidence-based recommendations they can implement now to protect people's cognitive health.”

WHO's new guidelines are based on a significantly expanded evidence base following recommendations to reduce the risk of dementia first published in 2019. These guidelines include recommendations for addressing unhealthy behaviors, managing medical conditions, and reducing exposure to environmental factors that may contribute to cognitive decline.

Background

The first guidelines published by WHO in 2019 offered basic recommendations to reduce the risk of dementia. The new guidelines expand these recommendations and include the latest scientific developments and evidence. Dementia affects more than 57 million people worldwide, and approximately 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-70 percent of dementia cases.

New guidelines from the WHO reveal that 45 percent of the risk of dementia is due to modifiable risk factors. These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution and non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. WHO states that by managing these risk factors, cases of dementia can be significantly reduced.

Why is it important?

Dementia causes serious consequences at both personal and social levels, affecting individuals' independent lives, work abilities and daily functions. According to WHO data, dementia costs the world economy approximately 1.3 trillion US dollars annually. About half of this cost comes from unpaid care provided by families and friends. Understanding the risk of dementia and taking steps to reduce this risk can help people live healthier, more independent lives.

WHO's new guidelines also enable countries to strengthen their services to reduce the burden of dementia for decades to come. These guidelines promote the integration of noncommunicable disease, mental health, and brain health services. WHO emphasizes that in this way, the burden of dementia can be reduced.

What do experts and parties say?

WHO Director-General Dr. Regarding the publication of the guidelines, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "Today, we know much more about what triggers the risk of dementia than in the past, and these guidelines turn this knowledge into action." “Countries now have evidence-based recommendations they can implement now to protect people's cognitive health.”

WHO's new guidelines provide recommendations for reducing the risk of dementia, as well as making clear which interventions are ineffective. For example, the guidelines note that vitamins B and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and multivitamin/mineral supplements do not provide any benefit in reducing the risk of dementia, even in the event of deficiency. It is also emphasized that unnecessary use of these supplements may be harmful.

What to watch next?

WHO's new guidelines provide an opportunity for countries to review and update their policies to reduce the risk of dementia. Countries are expected to immediately implement the recommendations contained in these guidelines and develop strategies to protect cognitive health in their societies. WHO states that in this way, a significant decrease in the number of dementia cases can be achieved in the coming years.

For individuals, it is important to reduce smoking and alcohol use, engage in regular physical activity, follow a healthy diet and minimize exposure to air pollution, in line with WHO's recommendations. Additionally, management of cardiometabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol may also be effective in reducing the risk of dementia. WHO recommends that hearing aid use be considered as part of risk reduction strategies.