Abstract
Screening and prevention of cognitive disorder in the elderly Age is the main risk factor for dementia, and early stages of cognitive decline may be challenging to identify. In this review, potential bene ts of early diagnostic assessment are discussed. These include the identi cation and timely treatment of potentially reversible causes for cognitive impairment, avoidance of potential de cits in treatment of medical comorbidities, the opportunity to plan better for future needs and, nally, the therapeutic potential of non-pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, the promise of prospective disease-modifying medications, which are currently still being tested in clinical trials, will be addressed. While regimens combining dietary changes and cognitive training, as well as physical exer- cise, have been shown to provide bene t at low risk for adverse effects, improved medical care for other age-re- lated disorders such as arterial hypertension, cardiac dis- ease or diabetes may also have signi cant impact on re- ducing dementia prevalence.
Gietl, Anton F