{
  "id": 714582,
  "title": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 14 risk factors include:\n\nhigh blood pressure,\nhigh body mass index (BMI) in later life,\nsmoking,\nheavy alcohol consumption,\ndepression,\ndiabetes,\nsocial isolation,\nexcessive alcohol consumption,\nhead injuries,\nexposure to air pollution,\nhearing loss,\nnot having a university-level education,\nphysical inactivity,\nand a poor diet.\n\nThe 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.\n\nAccording to the WHO, one in three cases of dementia could be prevented if hearing loss was addressed.\n\nThe WHO also said that air pollution was a significant risk factor, especially in Asia.\n\nThe organization recommends that governments take action to reduce air pollution, which can be done by improving public transportation and promoting cleaner energy.\n\nThe guidelines also suggest that people can reduce their risk of dementia by engaging in physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.\n\nThe WHO said that dementia is a major public health concern, and that it is essential to take action to prevent and manage the condition.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe WHO is calling on governments and individuals to take action to prevent and manage dementia.\n\nThe organization says that by addressing modifiable risk factors, people can reduce their risk of developing dementia.\n\nThe WHO also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and that people with dementia should have access to quality care and support.\n\nThe guidelines are part of the WHO's efforts to address the growing global health concern of dementia.\n\nThe organization is working with countries to implement the guidelines and to promote awareness about dementia.\n\nThe 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.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/story-714582",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T22:39:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hankyoreh",
    "slug": "hankyoreh",
    "url": "https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/science/science_general/1272679.html"
  },
  "original_language": "ko",
  "account": null,
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}