An estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia in 2026. Without major breakthroughs in prevention or treatment, that figure is expected to exceed 800,000 by 2054 and surpass one million by 2065. Dementia also remains Australia’s leading cause of death.
The personal and economic impact is immense. Around 1.7 million Australians provide care for someone living with dementia, while around two in three people with dementia continue to live in the community. More than half of permanent residents in residential aged care are affected by the condition.
Despite these sobering figures, the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered a hopeful message.
On 15 July 2026, the WHO released the second edition of its Guidelines on Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia, the first major update since 2019. The report concludes that up to 45 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life.
“We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
For Australia’s aged care sector, older Australians and their families, the updated guidance provides practical, evidence-based steps that could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
One of the biggest changes in the updated guidelines is the recognition of air pollution as a modifiable dementia risk factor.
The WHO now recommends reducing exposure to both outdoor and household air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
These microscopic particles are produced by vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, wood heaters and bushfire smoke. They can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, where they contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, processes associated with cognitive decline.
The recommendation is particularly relevant for Australia, where prolonged bushfire smoke exposure has become increasingly common. During the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, around 80 per cent of Australians were exposed to hazardous smoke levels. Researchers continue to investigate the long-term effects of bushfire smoke on brain health.
The WHO estimates that eliminating air pollution entirely could prevent around 3 per cent of dementia cases at a population level. While that goal is unrealistic, reducing exposure wherever possible could still make a meaningful difference.
Practical steps include:
For aged care providers, investing in effective air filtration systems and monitoring indoor air quality may become increasingly important, particularly in regions vulnerable to bushfires or urban pollution.
A healthy diet remains one of the strongest foundations for maintaining brain health.
The WHO continues to recommend eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, whole grains and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, reflecting a Mediterranean-style eating pattern.
However, the updated guidelines urge caution when it comes to supplements.
The WHO does not recommend taking vitamins B or E, omega-3 fatty acids, or multivitamin and mineral supplements solely to prevent cognitive decline in people who do not have a diagnosed deficiency. Current evidence does not show a clear benefit, while unnecessary supplementation may carry risks, including medication interactions or nutrient imbalances.
With countless products marketed as “brain boosters” or “memory enhancers”, the advice is clear: prioritise a nutritious diet over supplements unless they have been recommended by a healthcare professional.
The WHO has also strengthened its recommendations around hearing loss, recognising hearing aids as an important part of dementia risk reduction.
Hearing loss affects around one in five adults and is often left untreated.
When hearing declines, the brain works harder to interpret sounds, leaving fewer resources available for memory and thinking. Hearing loss can also contribute to social isolation, another recognised dementia risk factor, and may be linked to changes in brain structure.
Experts estimate that addressing hearing loss could potentially prevent around 7 per cent of dementia cases across the population.
Regular hearing checks from midlife onwards are encouraged. Modern hearing aids are smaller, more effective and easier to use than ever before.
For aged care providers, routine hearing assessments and support for residents using hearing devices consistently could become an important part of dementia prevention strategies.
The updated guidelines reinforce many well-established lifestyle recommendations while placing greater emphasis on tackling multiple risk factors at the same time.
Aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, including aerobic exercise, strength training and balance exercises. Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation and supports healthy brain function.
The WHO now places greater emphasis on cognitively stimulating activities for adults with normal cognition and those with mild cognitive impairment.
Learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, completing challenging puzzles, reading and taking courses all help keep the brain active. Maintaining strong social connections through family, volunteering, clubs or community groups also helps reduce the risk of isolation.
Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and body weight under control remains one of the most effective ways to protect long-term brain health.
The guidelines also reinforce the importance of:
Australian dementia researcher Professor Henry Brodaty has long highlighted the importance of addressing multiple modifiable risk factors. His Maintain Your Brain study demonstrated that personalised coaching covering exercise, nutrition, brain training and mental wellbeing can produce measurable improvements in cognitive performance.
The updated WHO guidelines arrive as Australia continues to implement its National Dementia Action Plan, which aims to strengthen prevention, improve early support and help people remain living independently for longer.
Aged care providers have an opportunity to embed brain health into everyday care by providing nutritious meals, encouraging physical activity, offering cognitive stimulation programs, supporting hearing health and improving indoor air quality.
For families, the message is equally encouraging.
Simple actions such as going for a daily walk, staying socially connected, managing chronic health conditions and having regular hearing checks can add up over time.
While not every case of dementia can be prevented, delaying even a proportion of cases could reduce pressure on Australia’s health and aged care systems while helping more people maintain their independence for longer.
The WHO’s updated guidance reinforces an important message: brain health is not simply determined by age or genetics.
Cleaner air, healthy eating, regular exercise, social connection, good hearing and effective management of chronic conditions all have a role to play in reducing dementia risk.
For aged care providers, this may mean reviewing air quality policies, promoting Mediterranean-style meals, supporting hearing assessments and expanding programs that keep residents physically, mentally and socially engaged.
For individuals, the first step could be as simple as booking a hearing test, taking a daily walk with a friend or preparing a healthy meal.
Small lifestyle changes made today may help protect brain health for years to come.
Need support?
For information and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, visit Dementia Australia, or speak with your GP or aged care provider about personalised advice.
