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Rachel V Thomas

WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released updated guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span>, a condition that affects more than 57 million people worldwide. 

Nearly 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia every year. While there is currently no cure, the WHO says up to 45 per cent of dementia risk can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including <span>high blood pressure</span> and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a></span>. 

Beyond its impact on memory, thinking and daily functioning, dementia also affects a person's independence, dignity and safety. 

"We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 

"Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people's cognitive health," he added. 

<h2>What Do the Updated WHO Guidelines Say?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/cancer-is-not-a-death-sentence-anymore-how-early-detection-modern-treatment-are-changing-outcomes-in-tier-2-cities-article-155104111" data-type="tilCustomLink">Healthy Lifestyle Changes Improve Memory, Thinking In Older Adults At Dementia Risk: The Lancet</a>

The WHO last issued recommendations on dementia risk reduction in 2019. The global healthy body said that the updated guidelines incorporate the latest scientific evidence and innovations in dementia prevention. The revised recommendations also provide proven interventions that can lower dementia risk through early awareness and timely action.  

Further, they present an opportunity to reduce the global burden of dementia by strengthening the integration of brain health with noncommunicable disease and mental health services. 

Importantly, the updated guidelines recommend several healthy behaviors and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including: 

<ul><li>Cognitive training and cognitive stimulation </li></ul><ul><li>Participation in social activities for adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment </li></ul><ul><li>Regular physical activity </li></ul><ul><li>Quitting tobacco </li></ul><ul><li>Reducing alcohol consumption </li></ul><ul><li>Following a healthy diet </li></ul><ul><li>Reducing exposure to air pollution </li></ul>

The WHO also recommends effective management of cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol as part of dementia risk-reduction strategies. Hearing aids may also be offered where appropriate, it said. 

<h2>WHO Warns Against Routine <span rel="noindex">Supplements</span> </h2>

You Live In A Body That Can Heal Itself: Barbara O'Neill

The WHO does not recommend the routine use of vitamin B and E supplements, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or <span>multivitamins</span> and minerals to prevent cognitive decline or dementia in people without a diagnosed deficiency. 

According to the organization, current evidence does not demonstrate sufficient benefit to outweigh potential harmful effects. 

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. 

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/normal-ageing-or-alzheimers-doctors-explain-six-key-differences-to-watch-for-article-154962355" data-type="tilCustomLink">Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For</a>

<ul><li>Memory problems </li></ul><ul><li>Confusion </li></ul><ul><li>Difficulty finding words </li></ul><ul><li>Changes in mood or behavior </li></ul><ul><li>Trouble completing familiar tasks </li></ul>

Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers. 

According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends. 

The WHO said understanding dementia risk factors and taking preventive action can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives. 

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The World Health Organization (WHO) today released updated guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, a condition that affects more than 57 million people worldwide. Nearly 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia every year. While there is currently no cure, the WHO says up to 45 per cent of dementia risk can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including high blood pressure and diabetes. Beyond its impact on memory, thinking and daily functioning, dementia also affects a person's independence, dignity and safety. "We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people's cognitive health," he added. What Do the Updated WHO Guidelines Say?Also read: Healthy Lifestyle Changes Improve Memory, Thinking In Older Adults At Dementia Risk: The LancetThe WHO last issued recommendations on dementia risk reduction in 2019. The global healthy body said that the updated guidelines incorporate the latest scientific evidence and innovations in dementia prevention. The revised recommendations also provide proven interventions that can lower dementia risk through early awareness and timely action.  Further, they present an opportunity to reduce the global burden of dementia by strengthening the integration of brain health with noncommunicable disease and mental health services. Importantly, the updated guidelines recommend several healthy behaviors and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including: Cognitive training and cognitive stimulation Participation in social activities for adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment Regular physical activity Quitting tobacco Reducing alcohol consumption Following a healthy diet Reducing exposure to air pollution The WHO also recommends effective management of cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol as part of dementia risk-reduction strategies. Hearing aids may also be offered where appropriate, it said. WHO Warns Against Routine Supplements    The WHO does not recommend the routine use of vitamin B and E supplements, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or multivitamins and minerals to prevent cognitive decline or dementia in people without a diagnosed deficiency. According to the organization, current evidence does not demonstrate sufficient benefit to outweigh potential harmful effects. What Is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. Read More: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch ForCommon Signs of Dementia Memory problems Confusion Difficulty finding words Changes in mood or behavior Trouble completing familiar tasks The Growing Global Burden Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers. According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends. The WHO said understanding dementia risk factors and taking preventive action can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives. 

who's new dementia guidelines prioritize healthy habits, warn against supplements

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WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

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