The only reliable remedy for senile dementia
An analysis of the published results of 32 randomized clinical trials involving about 25,000 patients, conducted by specialists of St. Michael's Clinic in Toronto, did not reveal evidence that medicines, dietary supplements of plant origin and vitamins contribute to the prevention of age-related cognitive decline in healthy elderly people. At the same time, the results showed that mental exercises, such as the use of computer programs for memory training, have a certain positive effect.
The issue under study is of exceptional importance, since, according to statistics, mild cognitive impairment occurs in 10-25% of people over the age of 70. They are characterized by a deterioration of memory, as well as the ability to reason and make decisions, which does not have a significant impact on daily activities.
At the same time, approximately 10% of cases of mild cognitive impairment annually turn into various forms of senile dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Taking this into account, as well as the rate of population aging, experts predict that over the next 25 years, the number of Canadians suffering from dementia will double and exceed one million.
Unfortunately, the results of the analysis of the available data did not reveal the benefits of the use of pharmacological agents, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, developed to increase the effectiveness of acetylcholine, a chemical compound that ensures the processes of memory formation, thinking and decision-making.
Similarly, there was no positive effect on the cognitive function of herbal supplements such as gingko biloba, as well as vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, including vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
The results of a number of studies indicate that taking estrogen medications contributed to the deterioration of cognitive function and the development of dementia.
The evidence for the benefits of physical exercise, including strength training, was also not convincing enough.
The only effective means of maintaining cognitive function turned out to be mental exercises, including those performed with the help of special computer programs, and individual classes aimed at training memorization, argumentation and information processing speed.
According to the authors, it is necessary to conduct research on the role of mental training in the prevention of cognitive decline. They urge scientists to evaluate the benefits of such publicly available tools as crosswords and puzzles, the impact of which on the state of mental abilities has not been studied enough.
Article by Raza Naqvi et al. Preventing cognitive decline in healthy older adults is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of St. Michael's Hospital:
Review finds no evidence drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements help prevent cognitive decline in healthy older adults.
16.04.2013