Abstract
Lifestyle nonpharmacological interventions can have a deep effect on cognitive aging. We have reviewed the available literature on the effectiveness of physical activity, intellectual stimulation, and socialization on the incidence of dementia and on the course of dementia itself. Even though physical activity appears to be beneficial in both delaying dementia onset and in the course of the disease, more research is needed before intellectual stimulation and socialization can be considered as treatments and prevention of the disease. Through our paper, we found that all three nonpharmacological treatments provide benefits to cognition and overall well-being in patients with age-related cognitive impairments. These interventions may be beneficial in the management of dementia.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with devastating consequences [1]
Efforts are focusing on the development of more effective strategies to slow the progression of AD to increase the quality of life of those affected
(i) Improvement in attention, recall of personal information, and face-name recall compared to mock control group (ii) Results did not extend to other neuropsychological tests or quality of life (i) No significant differences between the experimental group and the wait-list control group (ii) Participants with insight about self-deficits perceived greater gains in memory compared to participants with no insight (i) Improvement in memory and communication with caregiver (ii) Other types of interventions had positive effects on communication and interactions
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with devastating consequences [1]. Despite being the most common cause of dementia, affecting approximately 5.4 million Americans [2] and almost 50% of people over the age 85 [3], no cure has yet been discovered. Efforts are focusing on the development of more effective strategies to slow the progression of AD to increase the quality of life of those affected. Even a two-year delay in disease onset would reduce the prevalence of AD among Americans by two million people within fifty years [4]. Research on strategies to slow the development and progression of AD is arguably more important than ever before, since the number of people with AD is expected to nearly triple over the forty years [4], and dementia is the most important contributor to disability in the elderly [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call