Published on: 2026-07-16
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 15, 2026 Healthcare
Up to 45 percent of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life. This is stated in the updated global guidelines published on Wednesday by the World Health Organization (WHO).
More than 57 million people live with dementia in today’s world, and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed annually. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 70 percent of all diagnoses.
The WHO notes that there is currently no effective treatment for this severe and irreversible brain condition, but risks can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle, treatment of chronic diseases, and minimizing exposure to harmful environmental factors.
“We know more about the causes of dementia than ever before, and these guidelines help translate knowledge into practical action,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. According to him, clear and evidence-based recommendations can and should be implemented immediately to protect people’s cognitive health.
Practical WHO recommendations
The new recommendations update the 2019 guidelines and reflect the latest data on the prevention of cognitive decline throughout life. In particular, WHO emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting tobacco. The beneficial role of cognitive training, social activity, and the treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is also noted.
For the first time, the WHO recommended – as part of a dementia prevention strategy – reducing exposure to polluted air. Using hearing aids may help some people reduce the risk of developing the disease.
The organization does not recommend taking vitamins B or E, omega-3 fatty acids, or multivitamins solely for the prevention of dementia if there is no deficiency in the body, as there is insufficient evidence of their benefit and potential harm may outweigh the advantage.
The global burden of dementia
In addition to memory loss and cognitive decline, dementia undermines a person’s independence, dignity, and safety, creating a serious emotional and financial burden for families and caregivers. According to WHO estimates, the annual global costs associated with dementia amount to about $1.3 trillion, with roughly half of this sum attributed to unpaid care provided by relatives and friends.
The organization believes that integrating dementia prevention into care systems for non-communicable diseases, mental disorders, and brain health impairments can reduce the global disease burden and help more people live longer, be healthier, and remain independent.
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