Introduction

As part of the project, existing studies on risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia will be collected and presented in a comparative report highlighting promising venues for the development of prevention strategies.

Particular attention will be given to developing recommendations for national Alzheimer association to use in conjunction with campaigns promoting a “healthy brain lifestyle”

Duration

The project started in January 2006 and will end in December 2008.

Partners

Work package leader:

• Lutz FROELICH, Central Institute for Mental Health

Main partner:

• Central Institute for Mental Health

Associated partners:

• University of Maastricht
• Alzheimer Scotland-Action on Dementia
• University of Debrecen
• Karolinska Institutet
• Alzheimer Europe

Objectives

A growing number of studies have examined the risk factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia providing the hope of one day developing prevention strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence of these diseases. As part of the project, existing studies will be collected, included in a database and presented in a comparative report.

On the basis of these results, the project will develop a consensual approach to the risk factors in dementia and highlight promising venues for the development of prevention strategies. Particular attention will be given to developing recommendations for national Alzheimer association to use in conjunction with campaigns promoting a “healthy brain lifestyle”

Methodology

The work will follow the general methodology with a thorough literature search on existing studies on the risk factors involved in the various forms of dementia and their possible prevention. The various studies will be presented in a comparative report providing an overview of their commonalities and differences.

On the basis of these findings, draft consensus guidelines for prevention strategies for dementia will be elaborated by the working group and circulated for consultation to the membership at large of the network. The received feed back will be integrated into the final consensus document, which will be approved by the Steering Committee and then circulated for endorsement to European organisations.

Milestones

• February 2006: Finalisation of research methodology
• October 2006: Finalisation of literature search
• June 2007: Comparative report on findings
• June 2008: Consensus guidelines
• December 2008: Endorsement and presentation

Results

The work package will result in the publication of a comparative report on the studies on risk factors and prevention of dementia, as well as the development of consensus guidelines in this field.