Treatment of dementia and cognitive impairment: What can we learn from the Cochrane Library

BackgroundSystematic reviews of health care interventions in a single database have great practical value.MethodsWe analyze the dementia related information in the Cochrane Library.ResultsIn 2008 the Cochrane Library has over 5300 systematic reviews, and in the latest — 2008/3 — issue over 100 reviews have the term “dementia” in their title, abstract or keywords. The Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group has a major role in preparing systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials in the field of dementia. Pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions are analyzed. The reviews are prepared by strict methodology and have uniformed, organized structure. Cochrane reviews or at least their abstracts are available free of charge at www.cochrane.org. About an intervention a review may find evidence of benefit, evidence of harm, or evidence of no effect. For several interventions there is not enough evidence of effect — due to lack of information or if the studies are not conclusive, further research is recommended. In addition to systematic reviews the Cochrane Library includes a large database of bibliographic data of randomized controlled trials, technology assessments and economic evaluations.ConclusionsThe use of this source of information is strongly recommended for all who are involved in patient care or health care policy.