WHO and ITU launch new guide on dementia risk reduction and carer support programmes using mobile technology

The World Health Organization launched a new mDementia handbook, that aims to help countries to introduce and scale up dementia programmes delivered through mobile devices, such as phones and tablets. The handbook was developed by the WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Department and BeHe@lthy BeMobile (BHBM), a joint initiative of the WHO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The first of the modules, mDementionPrevention, aims to encourage people who are middle-aged or older to manage modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and harmful use of alcohol to delay or slow the progression of dementia. The second module is for carers of people with dementia, providing tailored support to address the physical and mental health impacts associated with caring for people with dementia.