WHO Unveils New Dementia Guidelines: Omega-3 and Vitamin Supplements Excluded for Brain Health
A striking statement has come from the World Health Organization regarding omega3, vitamin and mineral supplements, which have been thought to support brain health for years. WHO stated that, according to the evaluations, some supplements do not have proven benefits in reducing the risk of dementia. So what really needs to be done to protect against dementia (senility)? Which habits protect the brain, and which ones are not as effective as thought?
Here are the details.
The World's Population is Aging, Dementia Risk is Increasing!
With the aging global population, dementia has become a significant health issue affecting millions of people. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia that can lead to memory loss, a decrease in thinking skills, and difficulties in daily life activities.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and approximately 10 million new cases emerge each year. Alzheimer's disease is held responsible for about 60-70% of all dementia cases.
Scientists now point out that the risk of dementia cannot be explained solely by age and genetic factors, lifestyle habits also play a significant role. The new guide published by the World Health Organization draws attention to approaches and the state of evidence that could be effective in reducing the risk of dementia.
WHO Announces: What Should Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Dementia?
Among the prominent suggestions are:
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Quitting smoking
Limiting alcohol consumption
Maintaining social relationships
Allocating time for brain-stimulating activities
Keeping diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol under control.
Looking a little closer at the most important details affecting brain health:
- Movement is One of the Strongest Supports for the Brain
Exercise not only affects muscles, but also the brain. Regular physical activity supports blood circulation, helping to transport the oxygen and nutrients the brain needs.
Walking, swimming, cycling, or exercises suitable for the individual's condition are shown as habits that can contribute to the preservation of cognitive health in later ages. The important thing here is not to do heavy sports, but to make movement a part of life.
- Brain-Working Activities are Important
Keeping the brain regularly engaged with mental activities can contribute to the preservation of cognitive functions. Learning something new, reading books, studying a foreign language, engaging with music, or playing games requiring strategy are among these habits.
WHO also includes cognitive activities and continuing to learn in its recommendations.
- Staying Social Supports the Brain
Loneliness and social isolation are considered as factors associated with cognitive decline. Meeting with friends, maintaining family relationships, participating in social activities, and staying within the community can help keep the brain active.
- Paying Attention to Heart Health Can Also Help Protect the Brain
There is a strong connection between brain health and vascular health. Keeping conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol under control is important not only for the heart but also for brain health.
Why Aren't Omega-3 and Vitamin Supplements on the List?
For years, it has been known that omega-3 supports brain functions and B vitamins are important for memory. However, WHO's statement draws attention to a different point:
In individuals who are not deficient in these substances, there is no proven benefit of using omega-3 or vitamin supplements solely to reduce the risk of dementia. WHO states that the current scientific evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate that these supplements prevent dementia in healthy individuals.
WHO does not routinely recommend:
B vitamin supplements,
E vitamin supplements,
Omega-3 fatty acids,
Multivitamin and mineral combinations to reduce the risk of dementia.
So, the issue is not that vitamin or omega-3 supplements do not work. The problem is the lack of sufficient scientific evidence to support the routine use of these supplements to reduce the risk of dementia in individuals who are not deficient.
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