Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to review and discuss the evidence supporting the use of cognition-focused interventions to enhance mental function and decrease the risk of dementia.
Method: A non-quantitative review was made of existing evidence supporting the use of cognitive stimulation, rehabilitation and training in enhancing mental function and decreasing the risk of dementia in later life.
Results: Despite growing popularity, there is limited evidence from randomized trials to support the use of cognition-focused interventions to decrease the rate of cognitive decline associated with increasing age or with dementia. There is currently no evidence available from randomized trials to support the use of cognition-focused interventions to prevent dementia.
Conclusions: Sufficiently powered randomized trials of cognition-focused interventions designed to prevent dementia and limit the progression of cognitive decline in later life are needed before these programs are adopted in normal routine clinical practice.
DISCLOSURE
This paper is supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (513772). The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.