[Prevention of Dementia-with Special Reference to Lifestyle and Vascular Risk Factors].

There is a wide range of potentially modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, including cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, sleep-apnea syndrome), psychosocial factors (e.g., depression), health behaviors (e.g., low level of physical or mental activity, smoking status), and head trauma. In the elderly, weight loss associated with frailty and sarcopenia is another risk factor for dementia. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of dementia has declined in the US and European countries during the last 20 years. In addition to an increase in educational attainment, treatment and prevention of vascular risk factors may contribute to some extent of the decline in dementia prevalence.