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WHO dementia risk reduction guidelines, second edition


On 16 July 2026, WHO launched the second edition of the WHO Guidelines on Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia during a global webinar that brought together policymakers, researchers, health professionals, civil society organizations and people with lived experience from around the world. 

The event attracted exceptional interest, with over 2,700 people registering, and more than 800 participants joining the live webinar, demonstrating growing global commitment to dementia prevention and brain health. The webinar featured presentations from WHO experts and leading international specialists, who discussed the latest evidence on dementia risk reduction and the practical implications of the updated recommendations for countries and health systems. 

The second edition of the WHO guidelines reflects the latest scientific evidence and expands upon the 2019 recommendations. The updated guidance provides evidence-based recommendations on interventions and approaches that can support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These include: 

  • Promoting healthy behaviours, including physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive activity, social activity, tobacco cessation and reducing harmful alcohol use 
  • Managing health conditions and biological states associated with dementia risk, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and hearing loss 
  • Addressing environmental risk factors, including exposure to air pollution 
  • Implementing multidomain interventions that target multiple risk factors simultaneously 

The guidelines are intended to support governments, health-care providers and other stakeholders in integrating dementia risk reduction into broader public health and healthy ageing strategies. They also contribute to the implementation of the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2031, which calls for strengthening efforts on dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support. 

During the webinar, participants emphasized the importance of translating evidence into action and ensuring that countries have the tools, training and support needed to implement dementia risk reduction initiatives effectively. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger integration of brain health into primary health care, healthy ageing programmes and broader noncommunicable disease strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

WHO thanks all speakers, partners and participants who contributed to the successful launch and to the rich exchange of experiences and perspectives during the event. The event and the update of the guidelines was made possible with the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada.  

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