‘Take care’ to tackle dementia

Taking better care of ourselves could be the best longterm strategy to tackling the growing problem of dementia, according to a new report.

Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found dementia affects 50 million people worldwide, costs $818 billion (£632bn) annually to treat and diagnoses are likely to triple by 2050.

In a bid to tackle dementia and general cognitive decline, WHO has set out guidelines linked to overall health and well being found to be most effective at reducing the risk.

A huge review of existing evidence found age was the strongest risk factor for dementia, but the disease was not an inevitable consequence of ageing. It found lifestyle factors such a physical inactivity, smoking and unhealthy diet significantly increased the threat of the disease.

Medical conditions such as diabetes also played a role in cognitive decline.