Highlights
- One in three dementia cases are preventable by managing lifestyle factors
- Nonpharmacologic interventions like social contact and exercise help prevent dementia
- Increasing education in early life can reduce the incidence of dementia by 20 percent
For treating and preventing dementia, 24 international experts have been brought together by the commission to systematically review existing research and provide evidence-based recommendations.
Worldwide, about 47 million people have dementia. It is expected to rise as high as 66 million by 2030 and 115 million by 2050.
Reducing Dementia Risk that Begins in Childhood
Nine risk factors in early, mid-and-late life that increase the likelihood of developing dementia have been identified and reported by the commission. The report says that, one in three cases, i.e., about 35 percent of dementia cases, are attributed to these risk factors.
The incidence of dementia can be reduced by another 15 percent in late life by quitting smoking, treating depression, managing diabetes, increasing exercise regimen and social contact.
He also said that reducing these risk factors provides a powerful way to lower the global burden of dementia.
Treat Dementia with a Nonpharmacologic Approach
The effect of nonpharmacologic interventions for people with dementia has been examined by the commission. They concluded that nonpharmacologic interventions played a crucial role in the treatment, especially when trying to address agitation and aggression.
Schneider said that to treat agitation and aggression, antipsychotic drugs are commonly used. But a considerable concern has been posed about these drugs due to the increased risk of death, cardiovascular adverse events and infections, and excessive sedation.
For treating dementia-related agitation and aggression, it was found that psychological, social and environmental interventions which include social contact and activities were superior to antipsychotic medications.
Nonpharmacologic interventions such as group cognitive stimulation therapy and exercise benefits cognition, as conferred by the commission.
In the commission's full report, detailed recommendations are provided in the areas of prevention and treating cognitive symptoms, individualizing dementia care, caring for caregivers, managing neuropsychiatric symptoms, planning for the future after diagnosed by dementia and considering the end of life.
Reference
- Lon S Schneider, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet July 2017.
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31363-6
Source-Medindia