The World Health Organization (WHO) said that up to 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. The agency urged governments and individuals to focus on healthier lifestyles and better disease prevention.
Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. Moreover, it remains a major cause of disability and dependency among older adults, affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
According to the WHO, although no cure currently exists, many dementia cases are linked to preventable factors. These include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.
Currently, more than 57 million people worldwide live with dementia. Additionally, health experts diagnose nearly 10 million new cases every year, making prevention an increasingly urgent public health priority.
Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of all cases. Therefore, reducing known risk factors could significantly lower the overall burden of the disease.
Devora Kestel, Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, said dementia affects individuals, families, and communities. She added that the condition has serious consequences for health, dignity, independence, and overall well-being.
Meanwhile, the WHO released updated guidance to help healthcare professionals and policymakers prevent or delay dementia. The organisation noted that scientific evidence supporting prevention has expanded considerably since its first recommendations in 2019.
Furthermore, the guidance encourages early awareness and timely intervention. The WHO also stressed that dementia becomes more common after the age of 65 but should not be considered an unavoidable part of ageing.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations to protect brain health. Consequently, the organisation urged better management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol while promoting cognitive training for adults with mild cognitive impairment.
The WHO estimated that dementia costs the global economy approximately $1.3 trillion every year.
