WHO issues guidelines to prevent dementia

The World Health Organization has issued new guidelines on how to reduce the risk of dementia. The new guidelines have mentioned that one has to eat well and exercise often and not take some of those vitamins. Dementia has already affected 50 million people across the globe and nearly ten million new cases can be seen every year. The WHO has issued new guidelines on May 14, 2019 in efforts to curb the rise and help health providers and lawmakers provide better care and policy around it.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general at WHO said, “In the next 30 years, the number of people with dementia is expected to triple. We need to do everything we can to reduce our risk of dementia. The scientific evidence gathered for these guidelines confirm what we have suspected for some time, that what is good for our heart, is also good for our brain.” A hundred page report had outlined the various recommendations with varying degrees of scientific backing for people to consider.

The recommendations from the global health group mentioned physical activity, not smoking and drinking too much, eating a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and weight which can all help in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The guidelines has also mentioned that taking pills for Vitamins B and E along with polyunsaturated fatty acids, and multi-complex supplements is not recommended to reduce the risk of dementia.

Dementia is a condition that affects the person’s memory, comprehension, orientation, judgement and other cognitive functions beyond what is normal for aging. The WHO has also said that a variety of diseases or conditions like stroke or Alzheimer’s can also cause dementia. The report has also stated that the age is known to be the strongest factor for cognitive decline, but it is not a natural or inevitable consequence. The condition can be prevented through a public health approach.

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