Lifestyle-related factors in predementia and dementia syndromes

Abstract

Cognitive decline and dementia have a deep impact on the health and quality of life of older subjects and their caregivers. Since the therapeutic options currently available have demonstrated limited efficacy, the search for preventive strategies for cognitive decline and dementia are mandatory. A possible role of lifestyle-related factors was recently proposed for age-related changes of cognitive function, predementia syndromes and the cognitive decline of degenerative (Alzheimer's disease [AD]) or vascular origin. At present, cumulative evidence suggests that vascular risk factors may be important in the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and AD. Moderate alcohol drinking has been proposed as a protective factor against MCI and dementia in several longitudinal studies, but contrasting findings also exist. The Mediterranean diet could therefore be an interesting model with which to further study the association between dietary patterns and cognitive functioning, given the suggested role of many components of this diet (monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cereals and red wine) in contrasting cognitive impairment and dementia. The association between low education and predementia and dementia syndromes is supported by the majority of studies, but very few studies have investigated whether this association may be attributed with lifestyle factors that covary with education. Studies in the literature seem to identify in physical exercise one promising strategy in decreasing cognitive decline, but some of the limitations of these studies do not allow us to draw definite conclusions. At present, in older subjects, healthy diets, antioxidant supplements, the prevention of nutritional deficiencies, and moderate physical activity could be considered the first line of defense against the development and progression of predementia and dementia syndromes. However, in most cases, these were only observational studies, and results are awaited from large multicenter randomized clinical trials in older persons that may clarify the possible synergy, for example, between moderate exercise, physical activity and healthy Mediterranean diet on cognition in the elderly.

Protective effects of berry polyphenols against age-related cognitive impairment

“…Current treatments only partly alleviate symptoms but cannot stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Due to their favorable safety profile and availability, dietary approaches, in particular using polyphenol-enriched diets [56][57][58], are drawing attention as tools to prevent AD development [59][60][61][62][63][64]. The use of cheap and widely available compounds, like polyphenols, as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical tools in brain disorders such as AD may provide new strategies for the prevention or delay of cognitive decline.…”

The effect of clinical, demographic and lifestyle factors on executive functions in middle aged and older women

“…Chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to sustained cognitive deficits across a wide range of cognitive skills, including executive functioning, many of which persist even in the face of abstinence for 12 months or more [65]. Vascular risk factors may be important in the development of MCI, dementia and AD; among lifestyle factors, alcohol intake has been shown to have both protective and adverse effects, and so more research in this area is required [66].…”

Efeito hipolipemiante e antioxidante de subprodutos da uva em hamsters

“…De qualquer modo, parece haver consenso na literatura sobre o fato de que os antioxidantes, direta ou indiretamente, podem mitigar eventos patológicos associados a danos oxidativos (FERRARI e TORRES, 2003;KAWASHIMA et al, 2007;KHAN et al, 2007;NEYESTANI et al, 2007;SOLFRIZZI et al, 2008). …”

“…Contudo, esta proteção é assegurada apenas quando há manutenção de um equilíbrio na sua atividade, que pode ser afetado na presença de ERO (MICHIELS et al, 1994). KAWASHIMA et al, 2007;KHAN et al, 2007;NEYESTANI et al, 2007;SOLFRIZZI et al, 2008).…”