Long-term exposure to air pollution could lead to dementia, warns WHO

WHO warns that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by tackling risk factors including air pollution.

For the first time, WHO included air pollution as a modifiable risk factor in its dementia prevention guidelines.

Guidelines recommend regular physical activity, quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Routine use of vitamin and omega-3 supplements is not advised for dementia prevention without a diagnosed deficiency.

An estimated 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are living with dementia, based on a prevalence of 7.4% among older adults.