Geneva: Dementia is recognized as one of the significant health and social challenges of our time, impacting millions around the globe, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a press conference as the UN agency released updated guidelines on mitigating the risk of the disease.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tedros highlighted that over 57 million individuals worldwide are currently living with dementia, with approximately 10 million new cases identified annually. Alzheimer's disease, he noted, constitutes about 60% to 70% of all dementia cases. Although there is no known cure for dementia, Tedros emphasized that prevention or delay of the onset is possible by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss.

The WHO's revised guidelines suggest that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by tackling these modifiable factors. The agency provided evidence-based recommendations aimed at assisting countries in preventing or delaying cognitive decline throughout an individual's life. These recommendations include promoting physical activity, quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy diet, participating in cognitive training and social activities, and minimizing exposure to air pollution.

Furthermore, the guidelines recommend managing hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, while suggesting the use of hearing aids as part of strategies to reduce dementia risk. Tedros urged governments to incorporate dementia prevention into primary health care and initiatives that address noncommunicable diseases, healthy aging, and community health, emphasizing that safeguarding brain health necessitates actions that extend beyond the healthcare sector.