Page 41 - Healthy Brain Initiative, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map

SPOTLIGHT

MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE AND DEMENTIA

Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes » National Academies of Science, Engineering and
Alzheimer’s disease, but it may be a combination of Medicine, 2017: Preventing Cognitive Decline
genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that and Dementia: A Way Forward. The report
affect the brain over a long period of time. While some discusses cognitive training; blood pressure
of these factors cannot be altered (such as advancing management in people with hypertension; and
age and family history), others may be modifiable to increased physical activity.
reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
» The Lancet Commission on Dementia
Several scientific panels have examined the increasing Prevention, Intervention and Care (in The
body of evidence regarding modifiable risk factors Lancet, 390(10113):2673-2734), 2017: Dementia
related to cognitive decline and dementia. They Prevention, Intervention and Care. The report
have examined this topic from varying perspectives discusses active treatment of hypertension
and have utilized different review methodologies in mid-life; childhood education; exercise;
and standards, which account for variations in the maintaining social engagement; reducing smoking;
conclusions reached by these groups. The most recent and management of hearing loss, depression,
expert reports include the following. diabetes, and obesity. •

» Institute of Medicine, 2015: Cognitive Aging:
Progress in Understanding and Opportunities
for Action. The report discusses physical
activity; cardiovascular risk factor (high blood
pressure, diabetes, and smoking) reduction and
management; and discussions with healthcare
providers about health conditions and medications.
» Alzheimer’s Association (in Alzheimer’s &
Dementia,11(6):718-726), 2015: Summary of
the Evidence on Modifiable Risk Factors for
Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Population-
Based Perspective. The report discusses regular

physical activity; management of cardiovascular
risk factors (diabetes, obesity, smoking, and
hypertension); healthy diet; and lifelong learning/
cognitive training.