Modifiable Midlife Risk Factors for Late-Life Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Authors: Hughes, Tiffany F.; Ganguli, Mary

Source: Current Psychiatry Reviews, Volume 5, Number 2, May 2009 , pp. 73-92(20)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

The baby boom generation is approaching the age of greatest risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. There is growing interest in strategies to modify the environment in midlife to increase the probability of maintaining cognitive health in late life. Several potentially modifiable risk factors have been studied in relation to cognitive impairment and dementia in late life, but methodological limitations of observational research have resulted in some inconsistencies across studies. The most promising strategies are maintaining cardiovascular health, engaging in mental, physical, and social activities, using alcohol in moderation, abstaining from tobacco use, and following a heart-healthy diet. Other factors that may influence cognitive health are occupational attainment, depression, personality, exposure to general anesthesia, head injury, postmenopausal hormone therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and nutritional supplements such as antioxidants. Some long-term observational studies initiated in midlife or earlier, and some randomized controlled trials, have examined the effects of specific cognitive health promotion behaviors in midlife on the risk of cognitive impairment in late life. Overall, these studies provide limited support for risk reduction at this time. Recommendations and challenges for developing effective strategies to reduce the burden of cognitive impairment and dementia in the future are discussed.

Keywords: Lifestyle; cognition; Alzheimer's disease; epidemiology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157340009788167347

Publication date: 2009-05-01

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Current Psychiatry Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on clinical psychiatry and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, epidemiology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all clinicians, psychiatrists and researchers in psychiatry.

Modifiable Midlife Risk Factors for Late-Life Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

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