New WHO guidelines: up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed

The World Health Organization released updated, evidence-based guidelines on 15 July 2026 identifying that up to 45% of dementia risk can be prevented or delayed through modification of risk factors including tobacco and alcohol use, social isolation, physical inactivity, air pollution, and management of noncommunicable diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Prevention is possible for a portion of risk, but dementia remains incurable; these guidelines provide countries with actionable recommendations rather than a cure.