More than 57 million people are living with dementia worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The UN health agency warned that dementia remains a major global public health challenge, affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. It said the condition can also undermine people’s independence, dignity and safety.
According to the WHO, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 70% of all cases.
Although there is currently no cure, the organisation said up to 45% of dementia cases could be linked to modifiable risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, and non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
On this topic
The WHO said its latest guidelines highlight evidence-based measures that can help reduce the risk of dementia.
“WHO’s new guidelines reflect the latest evidence and innovations in dementia risk reduction, providing proven interventions that can effectively lower dementia risk through early awareness and timely action. They represent an important opportunity to reduce the burden of dementia in the coming decades through stronger integration of services for noncommunicable diseases, mental health and brain health,” the WHO said.
The organisation said adopting healthy behaviours throughout life can help lower the risk of developing dementia.
“There are several healthy behaviours and lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk, including cognitive training and cognitive stimulation and engagement in social activities for adults who have normal cognition or are experiencing mild cognitive impairment,” it said.
The WHO said reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases is also an important part of dementia prevention.
“This also includes interventions that reduce risk of NCDs, including increasing physical activity, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet, and a new recommendation to reduce exposure to air pollution,” it said.
Managing cardiometabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can also help reduce the risk of dementia, the organisation said, adding that hearing aids may be offered as part of risk-reduction strategies.
The WHO also advised against taking certain supplements solely to prevent dementia where there is no diagnosed deficiency.
“As an intervention to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and/or dementia, the guidelines do not recommend supplementation with vitamins B and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and multivitamins/minerals in the absence of a diagnosed deficiency, due to the lack of evidence of any potential benefits to outweigh unexpected harmful effects,” it said.
The organisation said dementia continues to have significant human and economic consequences.
“Dementia affects an individual’s ability to live independently, work and function, while placing substantial burdens on families and carers. It carries a major economic loss, costing the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion annually. About half of this cost is driven by unpaid care provided by families and friends. Understanding risk factors and taking action to prevent dementia can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives,” the WHO said.
Leave a Reply