WHO adds seven new risk factors linked to dementia

Yesterday 15:00

By: Azzat Manal

WHO adds seven new risk factors linked to dementia

The World Health Organization has updated its guidance on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, adding seven factors to a list that previously included 12 recognized risks.

The revised guidance reflects recent scientific evidence and growing understanding of how cardiovascular health, brain injuries, sensory impairment, sleep, infections and environmental exposure can influence cognitive health.

The factors already identified by the WHO include low cognitive and social activity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, an unhealthy diet, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, hearing loss and depression.

The seven newly highlighted factors include stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep disorders, HIV infection, air pollution and the use of menopausal hormone therapy in older women.

Stroke is considered particularly relevant because cardiovascular disease can affect blood flow and damage brain tissue, potentially increasing the likelihood of cognitive impairment and dementia. Preventing and properly managing cardiovascular conditions therefore remains an important part of maintaining brain health.

Traumatic brain injury is another area of concern. Even relatively mild head injuries can have lasting consequences for some people, including changes in mood, anxiety and cognitive function. Repeated or more severe injuries may present additional risks.

Vision impairment has also been included in the updated guidance. Because the brain devotes significant resources to processing visual information, untreated vision problems may contribute to cognitive decline. Addressing correctable visual impairment could therefore form part of broader dementia-risk reduction strategies.

Sleep health is another important factor. Adequate sleep supports several processes involved in brain function, while conditions such as sleep apnea can interfere with normal sleep and have been associated with changes that may affect cognitive health.

The WHO has also identified HIV as a potential risk factor. When untreated, HIV can affect the central nervous system and may contribute to HIV-associated cognitive impairment. Access to effective treatment remains essential for limiting complications.

Air pollution has likewise received greater attention. The WHO recommends reducing exposure to polluted air both indoors and outdoors, particularly to fine particulate matter. Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated in research with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The updated guidance also addresses menopausal hormone therapy. The WHO does not recommend using menopausal hormone therapy specifically to prevent dementia in women aged 65 and older. For younger women, the available evidence is still considered insufficient to establish its precise effect on dementia risk.

The expansion of the list underlines the fact that dementia risk is influenced by multiple factors throughout life rather than by a single cause. Many of these factors can be addressed through prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Health experts increasingly emphasize the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health, staying physically and socially active, protecting hearing and vision, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, eating a balanced diet and managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The WHO’s updated recommendations reinforce the importance of a comprehensive approach to brain health, combining individual prevention measures with broader public-health policies aimed at reducing environmental and social risk factors.