Can we influence the epidemiology of dementia? Perspectives from population-based studies. Issue 1081 (31st August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birdi, Ratika; Stephan, Blossom Christa Maree; Robinson, Louise; Davis, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 91:Issue 1081(2015)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2015-08-31
• Subjects: EPIDEMIOLOGY; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2015-133244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The worldwide prevalence of dementia is predicted to rise significantly in the next three decades. However, these projections have not taken into account the role of modifiable risk factors and whether any prevention strategies might influence the predicted trend. Attempts at pharmacological disease modification have largely been disappointing, and the difficulties in conducting dementia trials are reviewed here. In contrast, recent population studies in high-income countries suggest that the epidemiology may be changing with a possible decline in incident dementia, or even a reduction in age-specific prevalence. Therefore, efforts to develop public health interventions may prove to be the more successful approach to addressing dementia at a societal level.