Bibliographic information

GuidelineRisk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines, 2nd ed.
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization

Recommendation

New

To reduce the risk of cognitive decline specifically, physical activity may be recommended to adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Recommended in favor

Conditional

Notes and Remarks

Regular physical activity across all ages and abilities – including aerobic movement, muscle strengthening activities and reduced sedentary behaviour – should be promoted for everyone, in line with WHO guidance. Clinical practice: y WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour (8) Service delivery and care pathways: y Promoting physical activity through primary health care: a toolkit (9) y Promoting physical activity for older people: a toolkit for action (10) y WHO package of essential noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care (11) Public health and policy: y Tackling NCDs: best buys and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (12)