Memantine for dementia
Abstract Background Memantine is a moderate affinity uncompetitive antagonist of glutamate NMDA receptors. It is licensed for use in moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD); in the USA, it is also widely used off‐label for mild AD. Objectives To determine efficacy and safety of memantine for people with dementia. To assess whether memantine adds benefit […]
Computerised cognitive training for preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background The number of people living with dementia is increasing rapidly. Clinical dementia does not develop suddenly, but rather is preceded by a period of cognitive decline beyond normal age‐related change. People at this intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and clinical dementia are often described as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considerable research […]
Computerised cognitive training for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in midlife
Abstract Background Normal aging is associated with changes in cognitive function that are non‐pathological and are not necessarily indicative of future neurocognitive disease. Low cognitive and brain reserve and limited cognitive stimulation are associated with increased risk of dementia. Emerging evidence now suggests that subtle cognitive changes, detectable years before criteria for mild cognitive impairment […]
AD‐8 for detection of dementia across a variety of healthcare settings
Abstract Background Dementia assessment often involves initial screening, using a brief tool, followed by more detailed assessment where required. The AD‐8 is a short questionnaire, completed by a suitable ‘informant’ who knows the person well. AD‐8 is designed to assess change in functional performance secondary to cognitive change. Objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of […]
Vitamin and mineral supplementation for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in mid and late life
Abstract Background Vitamins and minerals play multiple functions within the central nervous system which may help to maintain brain health and optimal cognitive functioning. Supplementation of the diet with various vitamins and minerals has been suggested as a means ofmaintaining cognitive function, or even of preventing dementia, inlater life. Objectives To evaluate the effects of […]
Modifying the consistency of food and fluids for swallowing difficulties in dementia
Abstract Background People with dementia can have feeding and swallowing difficulties(dysphagia). Modification of the consistency of food or fluids, or both, is a common management strategy. However, diet modification can affect quality of life and may lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Evidence on the benefits and risks of modifyingfood and fluids is mandatory to improve […]
Art therapy for people with dementia
Abstract Background Art therapy is defined by the British Association of Art Therapists as: “a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have experience or skill in art. The art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic […]
Intravenous versus inhalational maintenance of anaesthesia for postoperative cognitive outcomes in elderly people undergoing non‐cardiac surgery
Abstract Background The use of anaesthetics in the elderly surgical population (more than 60 years of age) is increasing. Postoperative delirium, an acute condition characterized by reduced awareness ofthe environment and a disturbance in attention, typically occurs between 24 and 72 hours after surgery and can affect up to 60% of elderly surgical patients. Postoperative […]
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for family carers of people with dementia
Abstract Background Caring for people with dementia is highly challenging, and family carers are recognised as being at increased risk of physical and mental ill‐health. Most current interventions have limited success in reducing stress among carers of people with dementia. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) draws on a range of practices and may be a promising […]
Music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia
Collapse all Expand all Abstract Background Dementia is a clinical syndrome with a number of different causes which is characterised by deterioration in cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional functions. Pharmacological interventions are available but have limited effect to treat many of the syndrome’s features. Less research has been directed towards non‐pharmacological treatments. In this review, we […]