WHO updates dementia prevention guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) released updated global guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, stating that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, air pollution, and noncommunicable diseases including hypertension and diabetes. The guidelines recommend regular physical activity, healthy diets, quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol, cognitive training, social engagement, managing cardiometabolic conditions, and reducing air pollution exposure. They advise against routine use of vitamin B/E supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, or multivitamins for prevention. WHO estimates dementia costs the global economy $1.3 trillion annually. The update builds on 2019 recommendations and aims to integrate dementia prevention into health systems. In Kenya, an estimated 258,000 older adults live with dementia, and the Ministry of Health is working with WHO, Alzheimer s Disease Data Initiative, and Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation to develop a National Dementia Plan.