WHO widens dementia risk factors to 19, urges lifelong brain health

The World Health Organization updated its dementia risk-reduction guidelines, increasing the modifiable factors from 12 to 19 and adding seven new risks—stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep problems, HIV, air pollution, and menopausal hormone therapy—while reinforcing lifelong strategies like cognitive and social engagement, physical activity, healthy diet, and vascular risk management. Experts emphasize ongoing attention to brain health across life, and note that menopausal hormone therapy is not recommended solely to prevent dementia in older women, though hormonal changes may influence memory.