Source: Fox News
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its 2019 guidelines on reducing cognitive decline and dementia risk, adding seven new factors. These include learning a second language, menopausal hormone therapy, and head trauma. The updated guidelines include 19 risk factors, with advice similar to Dr. Daniel Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS framework. The WHO does not recommend menopausal hormone therapy specifically for dementia prevention, citing insufficient evidence. Amen, a physician, emphasized the importance of brain health through lifestyle choices, including sleep, vision, and avoiding toxins. The WHO also noted the link between vascular health and dementia risk, including conditions like stroke and erectile dysfunction.
Our Reading
This guidance has been heard before.
The WHO adds new factors to an existing list of dementia risk strategies.
Experts like Dr. Amen echo similar advice, emphasizing brain health through lifestyle.
Uncertainty remains about the effectiveness of some interventions, like hormone therapy.
Old concerns reappear in new forms, with no clear answers.
Author: Evan Null
WHO Updates Dementia Risk Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The second edition of the 2019 report includes new risk factors, such as learning a second language and head trauma. The updated guidelines now list 19 risk factors, including previously identified 12. The WHO emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices and vascular health in preventing dementia.
Dr. Daniel Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS Framework
Dr. Daniel Amen, a physician and founder of Amen Clinics, promotes a framework called BRIGHT MINDS to reduce Alzheimer’s risk. This includes factors like blood flow, inflammation, and sleep. The WHO’s updated guidelines align with Amen’s approach, highlighting the role of vascular health, mental health, and lifestyle choices in brain health.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Dementia Risk
The WHO does not recommend menopausal hormone therapy specifically for dementia prevention in postmenopausal women over 65. For younger women, the evidence is insufficient to determine its impact on dementia risk. Dr. Amen acknowledges the lack of evidence but notes that hormonal changes during menopause may affect mood and memory.
Head Trauma and Dementia
Head trauma, including mild concussions, is now recognized as a dementia risk factor. Dr. Amen argues that the WHO is late to emphasize this link. He highlights the long-term effects of brain injuries, such as mood and cognitive changes, and stresses the importance of protecting the brain from damage.
Other Risk Factors and Uncertainty
The WHO also notes the link between vascular health and dementia, including conditions like stroke and erectile dysfunction. While sleep, vision, and inflammation are important, the evidence for their direct impact on dementia remains limited. The organization acknowledges the complexity of these relationships and the need for further research.
