Diverting dementia

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-1-2018

Journal

Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

Volume

31

Issue

12

DOI

10.1097/01.JAA.0000547742.77686.2f

Keywords

Alzheimer disease; cognitive loss; Dementia; diet; prevention; risk reduction

Abstract

© 2018 American Academy of Physician Assistants. As the population ages, more adults in the United States are living with dementia. Younger family members often are concerned that they too may develop dementia, but the general public is largely unaware that strategies exist to slow or delay onset of dementia. In fact, by implementing a number of healthful strategies throughout their lifespans, patients may be able to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia or at least delay its onset. These strategies include eating a high-quality diet; keeping physically, socially, and intellectually active; preventing or treating hearing loss; avoiding obesity, hypertension, and diabetes; and avoiding or stopping tobacco smoking. This article reviews the recent scientifi c literature for dementia risk-reduction strategies and offers suggestions to healthcare professionals who wish to help their patients stave off cognitive loss.

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