Review articleMild cognitive impairment and cognitive impairment, no dementia: Part B, therapy

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) might be the optimum stage at which to intervene with preventative therapies. This article reviews recent work on the possible treatment and presents evidence-based recommendations approved at the meeting of the Third Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia held in Montreal in March, 2006. A number of promising nonpharmacologic interventions have been examined. Associations exist with both cognitive and physical activity that suggest that both of these, together or separately, can delay progression to dementia. Similarly, case control studies as well as prospective long-term studies suggest a number of low toxicity interventions and supplements that might significantly impact on MCI progression; folate, B6, and B12 to lower homocysteine levels, omega-fatty acids, and anti-oxidants (fruit juices or red wine) are good examples. In selected genotypes such as individuals with APOE e4, therapy with donepezil might slow progression. The concern, however, is that none of these therapies (including cholinesterase inhibitors) have demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect with randomized, placebo-controlled studies. Just as randomized controlled studies have failed to support primary prevention of dementia by using estrogen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), there exists the possibility that well-designed randomized controlled trials might fail to definitively demonstrate putative or promising mild cognitive impairment interventions. Pharmacologic interventions and nonpharmacologic therapies, while tantalizing, are currently for the most part insufficiently proven to allow serious consideration by physicians. Recommendation were supported for a general “healthy lifestyle” including physical exercise, healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, and mental stimulation. Close monitoring and treatment of vascular risk factors are justified and were also supported.