Preventing cognitive decline.

Many studies of age-related cognitive decline have failed to distinguish between usual and successful aging. Although some degree of cognitive impairment is associated with aging, when one looks at average performance, there is great variability among individuals, with many showing little or no deleterious effects of aging on intellectual abilities. Many of the risk factors for dementia and for conditions associated with cognitive impairments can be treated or controlled. Among the preventable causes of cognitive decline are the following: AIDS, Alcohol and drug abuse, Cerebrovascular disease, Exposure to organic solvents or lead, Head trauma, Overmedication, Syphilis. Other conditions that may cause cognitive decline can be controlled or treated: Atherosclerosis, Depression, Diabetes, Emphysema, High blood pressure, Obesity, Sleep disorders, Thyroid dysfunction. In addition, it may be possible to enhance the cognitive performance of even healthy elderly people through changes in diet and lifestyle. Recent data raise the possibility that improved prenatal and perinatal care and greater access to educational opportunities may result in a decreased incidence of dementia in future generations of older adults. Although they are rapidly becoming more numerous, the efficacy of cognitive training programs in preventing or slowing cognitive decline has not yet been demonstrated. Nevertheless, such programs may ameliorate cognitive impairment by reducing the psychiatric disabilities associated with anxiety and depression. The general principle underlying these strategies for limiting cognitive impairment with age is to maximize brain reserve and minimize brain damage.