Every year, nearly 10 million families hear the words "you have dementia." But new guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a huge number of those diagnoses might never happen — if people and governments act on what scientists already know.
The WHO released updated guidelines this week saying up to 45 percent of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed. The secret? Addressing everyday risk factors like smoking, lack of exercise, air pollution, heavy drinking, and conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
"We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and the ability to function in daily life. It is currently the seventh-leading cause of death worldwide and a major source of disability among older adults. More than 57 million people are living with the condition globally, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for 60 to 70 percent of cases.
But here is the hopeful part: the WHO emphasizes that dementia is not an inevitable part of growing older. While it becomes more common after age 65, the research shows that many cases are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors that can be changed.
"Behind these numbers are individuals, families, and communities navigating profound challenges that affect not only health, but dignity, independence, and well-being," said Devora Kestel, who leads the WHO's work on brain health. "This is not a distant issue; it touches all of us."
The new guidelines are the first major update since 2019, when the WHO first published recommendations on reducing dementia risk. Since then, scientists have gathered much stronger evidence that prevention works.
Among the recommendations: health care systems should help people manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes more carefully. Adults experiencing early memory problems could benefit from brain-training activities. And governments should work to reduce air pollution and help people stay socially connected.
The WHO also pointed to an economic argument for acting now. Dementia currently costs the global economy $1.3 trillion every year — and about half of that comes from unpaid care provided by family members and friends. Investing in prevention, the organization says, would pay off for everyone.
"Understanding risk factors and taking action to prevent dementia can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives," the WHO stated.
The guidelines are designed to help health workers and policymakers put science into practice immediately. Countries now have a roadmap, the WHO says — the only step left is action.