[Prevention of cognitive decline and dementia by treatment of risk factors]

Abstract

Background: In Germany, approximately 1.6 million people are currently suffering from dementia. The prevalence of the disease is expected to double by 2060. To date there is no treatment that can prevent the onset of dementia. For this reason, the development of prevention strategies for cognitive decline and dementia is crucial.

Objective: Presentation of studies on dementia prevention by treatment of arterial hypertension. Overview of current multidomain interventional studies on dementia prevention.

Material and methods: Narrative review.

Results: Whereas in three previous randomized controlled trials on antihypertensive treatment a reduction of dementia risk could not be found, the recent SPRINT-MIND study demonstrated a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in the trend for dementia by intensified hypotensive treatment. Multidomain interventional studies suggest preventive effects, particularly in specific risk groups and also highlight the challenge of adherence to lifestyle modifications.

Conclusion: The treatment of modifiable risk factors can have a preventive effects on cognitive decline and dementia. More research is needed to identify subgroups with the greatest likelihood of benefits.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Arterial hypertension; Cardiovascular events; Interventional studies; Stroke.