WHO updates dementia prevention guidelines, names specific risk factors

New focus: Hearing aids for prevention

Unlike in 2019, the WHO now also sees clear evidence that hearing aids can prevent cognitive impairment in people with hearing loss. For the first time, a technical aid is being explicitly included on the list of preventive measures, even though it already belongs to standard care for many affected individuals.

No recommendation for vitamin supplements

The WHO, however, remains skeptical about vitamin supplements: it sees no proven benefit for vitamin B, vitamin E, omega-3 capsules, or multivitamin preparations in lowering dementia risk, provided there is no medically diagnosed deficiency.

The new recommendations are based on a review of current studies and are intended to serve governments and health systems as a foundation for national prevention programs. The WHO also points out that prevention can only be one element in addressing the rising number of dementia cases.

Observers see the update as a signal that the WHO continues to assign high priority to the issue of dementia in light of demographic change and growing patient numbers. The inclusion of hearing aids in the recommendations is regarded as a practically relevant advance, since untreated hearing loss is widespread.

Reactions and assessment

At the same time, critics emphasize that the evidence for many of the lifestyle factors mentioned remains limited and requires further research. The WHO acknowledges that not every factor is equally effective for every person and that national contexts must be taken into account.

Overall, the organization sees its line confirmed: exercise, a balanced diet, blood pressure control, and social participation remain central recommendations. What is new is the explicit consideration of hearing loss and the provision of hearing aids as a preventive measure.