Wednesday, September 15, 2010

There’s not been a lot of new information to discuss. But there was a recent review of the various factor believed to contribute to the delay or prevention of cognitive decline. To be included, studies had to have adult participants who were 50 years or older, drawn from general populations, and followed for at least 1 year. 127 observational studies and 22 randomized control trials (RCT), and 16 systematic reviews were reviewed. There was limited evidence to supported the benefits of selected nutritional factors or cognitive and physical activities. Factors associate with an increased risk were current tobacco use, a gene associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, and certain medical conditions. One RCT found a small, sustained benefit from cognitive training and another RCT reported that physical exercise helps to maintain cognitive function. Although the review concluded that there were few potentially beneficial factors in preventing cognitive decline, the overall quality of the evidence is low.

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