Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Abstract

Cognitive impairment, including clinical Alzheimer's-type dementia (CATD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or age-related cognitive decline (ARCD), affects many older adults. Although much remains unknown about preventing, delaying onset, or slowing progression of these conditions, a growing body of research is emerging that may inform decision making by consumers, patients, clinicians, and public health practitioners.

Determinants of cognitive performance and decline in 20 diverse ethno-regional groups: A COSMIC collaboration cohort study

“…Modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline offer means to intervene and prevent or delay these rising global burdens. However, the evidence base for associations between modifiable risk factors and cognitive decline remains poor, and improving this is a research priority [1,3].…”

Estimation of lifetime risks of Alzheimer's disease dementia using biomarkers for preclinical disease

“…First, the biomarkers that are currently in use are based on imaging or cerebrospinal fluids and are either expensive, invasive or both. Second, even if preclinical disease is detected there are no interventions strongly supported by the scientific evidence to slow the onset of dementia, although, cognitive training, blood pressure management and physical activity may provide some benefit [4]. Third, persons with preclinical disease may never actually experience any clinical symptoms during their lifetimes because of the long preclinical period of AD and the high mortality rates in elderly populations.…”

Flattening the Curve of Cognitive Decline: A Survey of Cognitive Interventions for People Living with Dementia

“…Other benefits of technology-based products include the availability of real-time feedback on performance and status, elimination of wait time, more consistency, and lower labor costs. However, it is important to note that, as of this writing, there has been no conclusive evidence of effective interventions for preventing cognitive decline and dementia (e.g., Leshner, Landis, Stroud, & Downey, 2017).…”

“…However, targeted cognitive training and rehabilitation may be more suitable for people with mild to moderate (early-stage) dementia. Research has shown that cognitive training is beneficial in improving performance on the tasks being trained (Leshner et al, 2017). However, transfer of benefits to a broader range of functions, or to general cognitive abilities, has yet to be proven.…”

“…However, transfer of benefits to a broader range of functions, or to general cognitive abilities, has yet to be proven. Cognitive training has been identified as one of the top three priority areas for future research efforts (Leshner et al, 2017). In spite of challenges in making training and assessment both valid and enjoyable, the global cognitive assessment and training market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 32% in the next decade (Moller & Hansen, 2016;Research and Markets, 2018).…”