chiropractic-lane.com

NEWARK

‘Common Sense’ Lifestyle Factors May Delay Dementia Onset

Although there are many potential predictors of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia, several may be modifiable, new research suggests.

A meta-analysis of 62 studies showed that diabetes and prediabetes increased risk for conversion from MCI to Alzheimer’s dementia and all-cause dementia. In addition, metabolic syndrome, low dietary folate, the presence of any neuropsychiatric symptoms, and having depressive symptoms all predicted dementia conversion in patients with various forms of MCI ― whereas consumption of a Mediterranean diet decreased risk.

The factors deemed “potentially modifiable” included diabetes, metabolic syndrome, diet, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

“I think the core message is that looking after your diet and your physical and mental health is the best way to fight dementia,” lead author Claudia Cooper, PhD, MRCPsych, from the Division of Psychiatry at University College London, United Kingdom, told Medscape Medical News.

“My feeling is that those things that appear to prevent dementia are good, common sense things that are good for physical health anyway,” said Dr Cooper, adding that it should therefore be “very easy” for clinicians to recommend that their patients incorporate them.

via Blogger http://bit.ly/1wb94p3