The impact of non-pharmacological treatment on symptom reduction and progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment, also considered a “pre-dementia” stage, has a prevalence of 10-20% in people aged 65 or more. The risk increases with age and is higher in the male gender. Nearly 10% to 15% of MCI patients progress to a diagnosis of probable AD each year, relative to only 1% to 2% of the general elderly population. The importance of successfully treatment of this early illness phases cannot be overstated. At the moment there is no solid pharmacological evidence of a drug that can improve symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or delay its progress to dementia. The current treatment options include: reducing cardiovascular risk factors and prevention of stroke. Social engagement, aerobic exercise, mental activity may help reduce further cognitive decline. In this review we take a closer look at the impact of nonpharmacological treatment on symptom reduction and progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia.