WHO releases 7 new dementia risk factors - one affects millions of Americans every night

Key Points:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its dementia risk reduction guidelines, adding seven new risk factors: stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep problems, HIV, air pollution, and menopausal hormone therapy.
• The WHO does not recommend menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to prevent dementia in women over 65 and finds insufficient evidence for its effects on younger women, though hormonal changes during menopause can impact mood and memory.
• Dr. Daniel Amen emphasized the importance of managing vascular health, preventing head trauma, addressing sleep disorders, and reducing exposure to toxins like air pollution to lower dementia risk, aligning with the WHO’s updated guidance.
• Sleep plays a crucial role in brain health by supporting waste clearance, and untreated HIV and traumatic brain injuries are significant risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.
• Experts stress starting dementia prevention early in life through social engagement, cognitive activity, and healthy lifestyle choices, as risk increases sharply with age and genetics are only part of the risk profile.