Exercise, diet and healthy lifestyle can prevent it, says WHO

Eat well, exercise regularly and do not take some of these vitamins, the World Health Organization said in recently published guidelines on how to reduce the risk of dementia.

While dementia is already affecting 50 million people around the world and nearly 10 million new cases each year, the WHO issued new guidelines on Tuesday to stop its rise and help health providers and legislators to provide better care and a better policy around.

"In the next 30 years, the number of people with dementia is expected to triple," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, in a statement. "We must do everything in our power to reduce our risk of dementia, and the scientific evidence gathered to support these recommendations confirms what we have suspected for some time, namely that what is good for our heart is also for our brain. "

The nearly 100-page report presents various recommendations with varying degrees of scientific support to consider.

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Physical activity, not smoking or drinking too much, eating a balanced diet (the WHO has specifically referred to the Mediterranean diet), managing blood pressure and weight are some of the recommendations that, according to the World Health Group, could contribute to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Taking pills for vitamins B and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids and multi-complex supplements is not recommended to reduce your risk, said the WHO.

Dementia affects the memory, understanding, orientation, judgment and other cognitive functions of people beyond what is normal for aging. The WHO explains that a variety of diseases or conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke, can cause dementia.

"Although age is the most important risk factor known for cognitive decline, dementia is not a natural or inevitable consequence of aging," the report says. "The prevention of dementia is possible through a public health approach."

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