WHO dementia guidelines strengthen the case for New Zealand action

Alzheimers NZ welcomes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) updated global guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, saying they reinforce the need for Aotearoa New Zealand to strengthen its own response to one of the country’s fastest-growing health issues.  

The second edition of the WHO guidelines reflects significant advances in scientific understanding since 2019. 

It confirms up to 45 per cent of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. 

It broadens recommendations to include environmental factors, such as air pollution, alongside healthy lifestyles, management of health conditions and multidomain interventions.  

Alzheimers NZ chief executive Catherine Hall says the updated guidance provides a clear roadmap for governments to reduce the future impact of dementia. 

“The WHO has made it clear that dementia is not simply an inevitable consequence of ageing and reminds us all that we’ve known for many years there is much that can be done to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. 

“There are all practical, evidence-based actions governments, health services and individuals can take to reduce risk and improve brain health across the population.” 

Ms Hall said the new guidelines reinforce a key priority in the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan, which calls for greater investment in prevention, early diagnosis, integrated care and community support. 

Azheimers NZ is one of the co-authors of the plan which was written by the sector. 

“New Zealand already has this blueprint for action,” she said.  “The challenge now is turning that plan into reality. 

“Investing in dementia risk reduction and better support today will improve lives while reducing future pressure and costs on New Zealand’s health system.” 

Ms Hall hopes the new WHO guidelines will inform dementia policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

She would like to see the guidelines reflected in the policy positions the political parties present at Alzheimers NZ’s upcoming pre-election political panel in September. 

“The timing could not be better. 

“Voters can reasonably expect political parties to explain how their dementia policies align with the latest international evidence. 

“We look forward to hearing how each party intends to address one of New Zealand’s most significant future health and social challenges.” 

Around 83,000 New Zealanders are currently living with dementia.  Three more people develop the condition every hour – some 500 new cases a week.