Dementia in Older Adults: Advances in Care and Prevention

Abstract

Abstract: Dementia is a progressive condition affecting millions globally, posing a significant public health challenge as populations age. Currently, over 55 million people live with dementia, including subtypes such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and HIV-associated dementia. This review explores advancements in diagnosing, managing, and preventing dementia. Diagnostic accuracy has been enhanced with tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), cerebro-spinal fluid biomarkers, and PET imaging. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital tools, promise earlier detection. Management strategies integrate non-pharmacologic approaches—cognitive training, lifestyle modifications, and social engagement—with pharmacologic treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Prevention efforts emphasize addressing modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension and obesity, and fostering cognitive reserve through education and physical activity. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including ethical concerns surrounding early diagnosis, disparities in access to care, and ongoing debates regarding the efficacy of novel therapies.

A holistic, interdisciplinary approach is essential for effective dementia care. This review calls for collaborative action among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the urgent need to improve equitable access to care, promote early and accurate diagnosis, and invest in targeted prevention strategies to mitigate the growing global impact of dementia.