WHO updates dementia guidelines, citing 45% of risk as preventable
New guidance highlights modifiable lifestyle factors and warns against unsupervised supplement use as global dementia cases rise.
The World Health Organization has released updated guidelines aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of dementia, identifying that up to 45 per cent of risk is attributable to modifiable factors. Released on 15 July 2026, the updated recommendations reflect a significant growth in the evidence base since the agency first issued advice on the matter in 2019.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated that the guidelines translate current knowledge into actionable steps for countries. He noted that nations now have clear, evidence-based recommendations to implement immediately to protect cognitive health, emphasising the importance of early awareness and timely intervention.
The updated advice consolidates recommendations on addressing unhealthy behaviours, managing medical conditions, and reducing exposure to environmental factors. Key lifestyle interventions include cognitive training, social engagement, increased physical activity, and adopting a healthy diet. The guidelines also specifically recommend reducing exposure to air pollution, a new addition to the risk-reduction strategies.
Managing cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol remains a priority, alongside stopping tobacco use and reducing alcohol consumption. The guidelines also suggest that hearing aids may be offered as part of broader risk-reduction strategies for adults with normal cognition or those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
In a notable shift from previous assumptions, the WHO explicitly advises against supplementing with vitamins B and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, or multivitamins and minerals for dementia prevention in the absence of a diagnosed deficiency. The agency cited a lack of evidence that the potential benefits outweigh the risks of unexpected harmful effects.
Dementia currently affects more than 57 million people globally, with nearly 10 million new diagnoses recorded annually. Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form, accounting for 60 to 70 per cent of cases. While there is no cure for the condition, understanding and mitigating risk factors can help individuals maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
The economic burden of dementia is substantial, estimated at US$1.3 trillion annually. Approximately half of this cost is driven by unpaid care provided by families and friends, underscoring the need for stronger integration of services for noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and brain health to reduce the long-term burden on societies.
