WHO says 45% of dementia risk preventable through lifestyle and healthcare changes

The World Health Organization released updated dementia prevention guidelines Wednesday, stating up to 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. These include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and poorly managed conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

More than 57 million people currently live with dementia globally, with nearly 10 million new diagnoses each year. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 70 percent of cases. Dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death and major cause of disability among older adults worldwide.

Since there is no cure for dementia and limited treatment options, prevention remains the most effective strategy. The WHO recommends early awareness and intervention, cognitive stimulation for those with mild cognitive impairment, and better integration of services for noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and brain health.

The annual global economic cost of dementia is estimated at $1.3 trillion, half of which represents unpaid care by family and friends. These guidelines update the WHO's 2019 recommendations based on significantly expanded evidence.

With these modifiable risk factors widespread in Nigeria's urban areas—air pollution in Lagos, physical inactivity in desk jobs, social isolation during economic hardship—do you see opportunities to adjust daily habits or advocate for better workplace and community health programs?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/15/up-to-45-of-dementia-risk-can-be-prevented-delayed-who/