A contemporary view of the possibilities of preventing dementia

Abstract

The prevalence of dementia increases progressively, which actualizes the issue of prevention. Primary prevention of dementia involves preventing the transformation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) into dementia, secondary prevention involves the early detection and early treatment of dementia, and tertiary prevention involves slowing down the progression of dementia. Current studies pay much attention to the correction of modifiable risk factors due to lifestyle, as primary prevention. Physical activity is a very important component of a healthy lifestyle, which is aimed at preventing the development of cognitive decline. The mechanisms of the positive effect of physical activity on cognitive functions are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased cerebral perfusion and cerebral blood flow, changes in neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity. Nutrition strategies focus on dieting, among which the Mediterranean diet has produced hopeful results. Sleep normalization is also considered a very important aspect of the prevention of cognitive impairment, because sleep disturbances provoke the development of cardiovascular pathology and affect the amyloid metabolism. However, along with combating risk factors, more and more attention is now being paid to the possibilities of drug treatments to prevent dementia. The experimental studies confirmed the neuroprotective effect of Akatinol (memantine). The clinical studies proved the efficacy of Akatinol in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia and showed the disease-modifying effect.