Overview
- In mid-July 2026 the World Health Organization published updated, evidence-based prevention guidelines that conclude up to 45% of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors and could be prevented or delayed.
- The guidance recommends cognitive training, social engagement, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol use, healthy diets, hearing support, weight management and control of hypertension and diabetes as priority actions.
- For the first time WHO explicitly includes reducing exposure to ambient and household air pollution as a target for dementia risk reduction.
- The guidance advises against using vitamins B and E, omega-3s and multivitamins to prevent dementia and does not support menopausal hormone therapy for dementia prevention in women aged 65 and older.
- Authors say individual behavior alone will not be enough and call for whole-of-government actions and integration into noncommunicable disease and environmental policies while research continues to refine risk mapping for country-specific priorities.