Abstract
Dramatic lifestyle changes in our current modern world contribute to increasing occurrence of civilizational diseases, including dementias. There is currently no treatment for these severe diseases.
Modifiable risk factors and protective factors which can help postpone dementia have been identified and they can be used in a complex therapeutic approach to at-risk patients. They include physical activity, dietary habits, including alcohol consumption, smoking and depression and its treatment.
Biological mechanisms have been described, by which these habits influence the ageing of the central nervous system.