Neurológia pre prax 6/2011

Prevention of dementia and lifestyle

Reduced cognitive ability and dementia significantly affect the quality of life in elderly people, including their carers. Therapeutic options have been limited so far; therefore, preventive strategies reducing the risk of developing dementia are being intensively sought. In this regard, healthy lifestyle has been increasingly discussed. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the lifestyle components most commonly investigated in association with dementia; in particular, eating habits, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, education and cognitive stimulation, spirituality, and social involvement. The effect as well as the potential mechanisms of action on the cognitive status are assessed. From available evidence, it can be concluded that lifestyle modifications are an important tool in preventing the development of dementia; however, more sophisticated intervention studies are required to elucidate their physiological effect and find an optimal strategy.

Keywords: dementia, prevention, nonpharmacological approaches, lifestyle.