How to face the aging world - lessons from dementia research

Croat Med J. 2020 Apr 30;61(2):139-146. doi: 10.3325/cmj.2020.61.139.

Abstract

A continuous rise in life expectancy has led to an increase in the number of senior citizens, now amounting to a fifth of the global population, and to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diseases of the elderly. This review discusses the threat of dementia, a disease that imposes enormous financial burden on health systems and warrants efficient therapeutic solutions. What we learned from numerous failed clinical trials is that we have to immediately take into account two major elements: early detection of dementia, much before the onset of symptoms, and personalized (precision) medicine treatment approach. We also discuss some of the most promising therapeutic directions, including stem cells, exosomes, electromagnetic fields, and ozone.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Biomedical Research
  • Dementia* / epidemiology
  • Dementia* / physiopathology
  • Dementia* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy / trends*
  • Precision Medicine