The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said up to 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed through healthier lifestyles and better management of risk factors.
The organisation stated this on Wednesday while releasing updated guidelines aimed at helping countries reduce the growing burden of dementia.
According to the WHO, risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, air pollution, high blood pressure and diabetes contribute significantly to dementia cases globally.
The organisation estimated that more than 57 million people currently live with dementia worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases recorded annually.
WHO noted that Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 70 per cent of all cases.
Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the updated guidelines provide countries with evidence-based recommendations to protect cognitive health and reduce dementia risks.
The organisation also urged governments to strengthen preventive healthcare measures and improve the management of non-communicable diseases linked to cognitive decline.
