WHO guidance links prevention to care access
Up to 45% of future dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, according to updated World Health Organisation guidance released in its first guideline revision since 2019.
WHO pulled together years of global evidence in the update on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia for clinicians, policymakers and public health officials.
Worldwide, more than 57 million people live with dementia, WHO estimates. The condition costs the global economy about US$1.3 trillion a year, and another 10 million people are diagnosed each year.
In Australia, nearly half a million people live with dementia. That number is expected to pass 1 million unless significant action is taken.
According to the guideline, many of the same risk factors also drive non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Because of that overlap, WHO reinforced advice to cut alcohol use, stop smoking and do regular physical exercise.
The update also says cognitive training and stimulation may be offered to older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment as a preventive measure.
Social activity should also be encouraged. However, vitamin supplements are not recommended as a way to prevent dementia.
WHO Guideline Development Group
Professor Kaarin Anstey, director of the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute, was the only Australian researcher on the WHO Guideline Development Group.
Anstey also works as a Senior Principal Research Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia.
“These recommendations offer real-life actions that will reduce dementia risk and promote brain health,” Professor Anstey said.
She described the update as the result of a systematic and wide-ranging review of evidence on interventions that can lower dementia risk.
At the same time, Anstey said the recommendations need buy-in from governments and public health systems to work at scale.
WHO argues that access to essential health services is a key part of prevention. The guidance also links dementia prevention to education, public health systems and healthy environments.
Anstey said the guidance reflects prevention across the life course and treats brain health as a lifelong commitment.
“We need to underline the message that many cases of dementia may be prevented, and these guidelines are a vital step forward in reinforcing that,” she said.
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