WHO Guidelines For Dementia Prevention Strategies

According to leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society: “there are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, but more than a third of people with the condition do not have a diagnosis.

“The number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.”

While these numbers are staggering, there is a slither of hope. Dementia research is constantly advancing and there is more support and knowledge than ever before for dementia patients.

Additionally, according to a major review published in The Lancet in 2024, up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or at the very least, delayed. In other words: for some cases, it is partially in our control.

Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations for preventing or delaying the onset of dementia.

“We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people’s cognitive health.”

On their website, WHO says: “The guidelines recommend several healthy behaviours and lifestyle interventions to reduce dementia risk, including cognitive training and cognitive stimulation and engagement in social activities for adults who have normal cognition or are experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

“The updated advice also includes interventions that reduce risk of [non-communicable diseases], including increasing physical activity, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet, and a new recommendation to reduce exposure to air pollution.”

Interestingly, hearing loss is also addressed by the WHO. HuffPost UK reported back in 2023 that a quarter of young people are at risk of dementia due to the cognitive decline caused by hearing loss. Now, the World Health Organization has advised that hearing aids may be offered as part of risk-reduction strategies.

Download the updated guidelines for more information.