The World Health Organization (WHO) stated on August 31, 2026, that most stroke risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes. ^[1] The World Health Organization released an updated second edition of its 2019 guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia on September 1, 2026. ^[2] A sedentary lifestyle is linked to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, according to the American Stroke Association. ^[3] Excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fats triggers cardiovascular disease, with high sodium intake directly contributing to increased blood pressure. ^[4] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States noted that secondhand smoke exposure carries similar risks to blood vessel health as active smoking. ^[5] The seven new risk factors added by the WHO are stroke, traumatic brain injury, vision impairment, sleep problems, HIV, air pollution, and menopausal hormone therapy. ^[6] The updated guidelines added seven new health conditions and exposures to the list of previously existing 12 risk factors for dementia. ^[7] Dr. Daniel Amen stated that dementia risk rises sharply with age, with an analysis estimating about one in five people had developed dementia by age 85. ^[8]