The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued updated global guidelines stating that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity and, for the first time, air pollution. The agency has also advised against the routine use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements for dementia prevention in people without a diagnosed deficiency.
The revised recommendations, the first major update since 2019, are based on growing scientific evidence showing that lifestyle choices, effective management of chronic diseases and environmental exposures play a significant role in maintaining brain health.
