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Dementia Epidemiology Research: It Is Time to Modify the Focus of Research

Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Address correspondence to Lewis Kuller, MD, DrPH, University of Pittsburgh, Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. E-mail: kullerl{at}edc.pitt.edu

Abstract

The incidence and prevalence of dementia are increasing. There is an urgent need to develop a preventive strategy. The identification of modifiable risk factors must therefore be a high priority. Newer imaging techniques provide an opportunity to identify subclinical manifestations of "dementias" that can be limited to the risk factors and subsequent clinical disease. The contribution of vascular disease to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) should be a high priority as it offers a potential preventive strategy. Study designs need to be modified, including a greater emphasis on geographic variations in AD and dementia based on imaging studies, longitudinal studies of successful aging without cardiovascular disease (CVD) or AD, gene–environment interactions, and studies of unique populations that may be at lower risk because of specific lifestyles. Primary prevention trials for vascular disease should include a dementia component. Most, if not all, studies should include newer imaging studies.