Determining the Effects of Lifestyle Factors Including Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, Physical Activity, and Diet on the Risk and Progression of Dementia: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Dementia and cognitive decline among older adults are increasingly considered as a significant health burden with a high level of personal, societal, and economic implications. Understanding the influence of lifestyle factors and potential lifestyle modifications on the risk and progression of dementia may aid in offering a non-pharmacological approach to reducing this public health challenge. This study explores the impact of key lifestyle factors - diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption - on both the risk and progression of dementia. A systematic literature review was conducted using a predefined search strategy. Studies were identified through searches of the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included to capture recent evidence. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for cross-sectional studies. A total of 1,135 studies were initially identified; 12 met the inclusion criteria and were critically reviewed. The findings suggest that each lifestyle factor exerts an influence on the risk and progression of dementia, albeit to varying degrees. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of these relationships and inform targeted preventive strategies.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Promising Sources of Plant-Derived Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review
- Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in patients with chronic kidney disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cognition: an updated systematic review of randomized clinical trials
- The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review
- Paucity of evidence for a relationship between long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review
- Omega-3 fatty acid nanocarriers: Characterization and potential applications
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.