The World Health Organization (WHO) released updated global guidelines on July 15, 2026, aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The agency estimates that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life.

Currently, more than 57 million people globally live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. Alzheimer's disease accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of all dementia cases.

Although no cure exists for this debilitating and irreversible brain condition, WHO emphasized that growing scientific evidence shows many risk factors can be mitigated through healthier lifestyles, improved management of chronic diseases, and reduced exposure to environmental hazards.

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

The new guidance updates WHO's 2019 recommendations and reflects the latest evidence on preventing cognitive decline across the life course. However, WHO advises against taking vitamin B or E supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, or multivitamins solely to prevent dementia unless a deficiency has been diagnosed, citing insufficient evidence of benefit.

WHO estimates dementia costs the global economy around $1.3 trillion each year, with roughly half of that burden stemming from unpaid care provided by family members and friends. The agency also noted that integrating dementia prevention into services for noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and brain health could help reduce the global burden and enable more people to live longer, healthier, and more independent lives.