Tackling dementia, shared by Niloufar Pourzand

Credits: Cathy Greenblat

Title: New WHO guidelines: up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed
Author: World Health Organization (WHO)
Publication: WHO News release
Date: 15 July 2026

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Summary: The article announces updated WHO guidelines that provide evidence-based recommendations to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia across the life course, focusing on modifiable risk factors that account for up to 45% of dementia risk. It outlines recommended interventions including increased physical activity, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet, cognitive training and social engagement, managing cardiometabolic conditions, lowering exposure to air pollution, and considering hearing aids as part of risk-reduction strategies. The guidelines also advise against routine supplementation with vitamins B and E, omega-3 fatty acids and multivitamins/minerals in the absence of deficiency due to insufficient evidence of benefit.
Quotes: "While there is no cure for dementia, up to 45% of the risks can be attributed to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including high blood pressure and diabetes."
"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."
"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."