People can significantly reduce their risk of developing dementia by staying physically active, quitting smoking, keeping socially engaged, and effectively managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
These are among the key recommendations in updated guidelines released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which aim to help countries prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline and dementia. The WHO also recommends cognitive training and mentally stimulating activities for adults with normal cognition and those experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
For the first time, the organisation has included reducing exposure to air pollution among the measures that can help lower the risk of dementia. It also says hearing aids should be offered to people with hearing loss as part of dementia risk reduction strategies.
However, the WHO advises against taking vitamin B and E supplements, omega-3 fatty acids or multivitamins solely to prevent dementia unless a deficiency has been medically diagnosed, citing insufficient evidence that the supplements provide any protective benefit.
Dementia is caused by diseases that affect the brain, leading to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, reasoning and the ability to carry out daily activities. While there is currently no cure, the WHO says up to 45 per cent of dementia cases are linked to preventable or modifiable risk factors, making early intervention crucial.
More than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of all cases.
“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,” he added.
The updated guidance replaces recommendations first issued in 2019 and reflects growing scientific evidence on how healthy lifestyles and better management of chronic diseases can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
The recommendations are particularly relevant for Uganda, where non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are on the rise alongside an ageing population. Health experts say preventing and effectively managing these conditions could also help reduce the country’s future burden of dementia.
Beyond its impact on health, dementia often robs people of their independence while placing emotional, physical and financial pressure on families and caregivers. The WHO estimates that dementia costs the global economy about US$1.3 trillion annually, with nearly half of that amount arising from unpaid care provided by relatives and friends.
The organisation is encouraging governments to integrate dementia prevention into existing programmes for non-communicable diseases, mental health and primary healthcare while strengthening public awareness campaigns on brain health.
According to the WHO, adopting healthier lifestyles and addressing preventable risk factors throughout life offers one of the best opportunities to reduce the growing burden of dementia and help people live longer, healthier and more independent lives-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
