Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA): a new model for dementia prevention

Olga J. G. Schiepers, Sebastian Kohler, Kay Deckers, Kate Irving, Catherine A. O'Donnell, Marjan van den Akker, Frans R. J. Verhey, Stephanie J. B. Vos, Marjolein E. de Vugt, Martin P. J. van Boxtel*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

ObjectiveModifiable risk factors for dementia were recently identified and compiled in a systematic review. The Lifestyle for Brain Health' (LIBRA) score, reflecting someone's potential for dementia prevention, was studied in a large longitudinal population-based sample with respect to predicting cognitive change over an observation period of up to 16years. MethodsLifestyle for Brain Health was calculated at baseline for 949 participants aged 50-81years from the Maastricht Ageing Study. The predictive value of LIBRA for incident dementia and cognitive impairment was examined by using Cox proportional hazard models and by testing its relation with cognitive decline. ResultsLifestyle for Brain Health predicted future risk of dementia, as well as risk of cognitive impairment. A one-point increase in LIBRA score related to 19% higher risk for dementia and 9% higher risk for cognitive impairment. LIBRA predicted rate of decline in processing speed, but not memory or executive functioning. ConclusionsLifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) may help in identifying and monitoring risk status in dementia-prevention programmes, by targeting modifiable, lifestyle-related risk factors.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)167-175
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • dementia
  • prevention
  • lifestyle
  • ageing
  • cognitive function

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