Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Later Life

Abstract

It is well recognized that the certain cognitive abilities, especially psychomotor speed, attention and memory tend to decline with age. However, there are great individual variations in the cognitive trajectories across life span. While neurodegenerative diseases lead to progressive intellectual impairment and loss of function, lifestyle factors may act as important modifiers of cognitive function at late life. The benefits of physical exercise on health and cognition have been well studied. It is also interesting to note that certain dietary patterns and active continuous engagement in cognitive activities will also help to preserve our brain function. An approach to multimodality intervention in prevention of dementia should be based on knowledge about neural mechanisms of major cognitive modulators, and adapting to the individual needs as one passes through the cognitive spectrum with age.