Avoid air pollution and wear hearing aids. These are some of the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to prevent dementia. The WHO on Wednesday issued new guidelines on risk factors for dementia, which affects nearly 55 million people worldwide and is expected to increase to 139 million by 2050. The guidelines, which were published in the Lancet journal, suggest that nearly half of all dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. The 14 risk factors include: high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI) in later life, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, depression, diabetes, social isolation, excessive alcohol consumption, head injuries, exposure to air pollution, hearing loss, not having a university-level education, physical inactivity, and a poor diet. The organization said that hearing loss was a major risk factor that could be easily addressed, with the use of hearing aids being one of the simplest ways to do so. According to the WHO, one in three cases of dementia could be prevented if hearing loss was addressed. The WHO also said that air pollution was a significant risk factor, especially in Asia. The organization recommends that governments take action to reduce air pollution, which can be done by improving public transportation and promoting cleaner energy. The guidelines also suggest that people can reduce their risk of dementia by engaging in physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking. The WHO said that dementia is a major public health concern, and that it is essential to take action to prevent and manage the condition. The organization estimates that the global cost of dementia is over $1.3 trillion, and that this is expected to increase to $2.8 trillion by 2030. The WHO is calling on governments and individuals to take action to prevent and manage dementia. The organization says that by addressing modifiable risk factors, people can reduce their risk of developing dementia. The WHO also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and that people with dementia should have access to quality care and support. The guidelines are part of the WHO's efforts to address the growing global health concern of dementia. The organization is working with countries to implement the guidelines and to promote awareness about dementia. The WHO says that it is essential to take action to prevent and manage dementia, and that everyone has a role to play in addressing this major public health concern.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the reduction of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and indoor air pollution to its strategy for preventing dementia. The organization has also strongly recommended the use of hearing aids as people age. The WHO recently released an updated guideline for reducing the risk of dementia, which includes environmental factors for the first time in seven years.

This updated guideline contains 19 recommendations, including a reduction in exposure to fine particulate matter and indoor air pollution. The most notable change is the focus on the link between dementia and the environment. The guideline states that reducing exposure to fine particulate matter and indoor air pollution can lower the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Fine particulate matter is more hazardous than ordinary dust because it can pass through the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. The guideline cites research showing that fine particulate matter can cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, increasing the risk of dementia by up to 1.4 times. The guideline also recommends indoor air pollution caused by the use of solid fuels, such as wood, coal, and dung, which are burned in homes.

The WHO urges countries to implement policy measures such as improving urban planning, regulating transportation emissions, and promoting clean energy to reduce people's exposure to air pollution. The guideline also adds cognitive stimulation activities like reading, gaming, playing, puzzles, and playing instruments to the list of recommendations for reducing dementia risk.

The guideline emphasizes that more challenging activities are more effective in maintaining brain health. The guideline also advises overweight or obese adults to practice calorie restriction or intermittent fasting. However, hormone therapy for dementia prevention is not recommended for women over 65. The guideline stresses the importance of a multifaceted approach to managing dementia risk factors, which include exercise, cognitive training, and a healthy diet.

The guideline also highlights the effectiveness of social activities such as joining clubs, volunteering, and socializing with friends in improving cognitive function. The guideline warns against the use of supplements like vitamin B, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and combined vitamins for dementia prevention, as there is insufficient scientific evidence to support their use.

However, it leaves the use of supplements for specific vitamin deficiencies to the discretion of individual physicians. The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the organization now has more evidence than ever about the factors that increase the risk of dementia. He added that this guideline provides clear evidence for governments and individuals to act immediately.

Dementia is one of the most concerning diseases for the elderly aged 50 and above worldwide, with an estimated 570 million people suffering from the condition, and around 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 60-70% of all dementia cases. The WHO estimates that dementia costs the global economy $1.3 trillion annually, with half of that amount coming from unpaid care given by families and friends.