Abstract:

The authors present an overview of the current situation in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders in the elderly. Chronic diseases that significantly affect the development of dementia are stressed- adequate treatment of these diseases having been demonstrated as an important factor delaying cognitive decline. The effect of different drug groups on cognitive performance is also discussed. The importance of nutrition in the elderly and the effects of various deficiencies that clearly play a role in the development of cognitive disorders-especially deficiencies involving vitamins B; polyunsaturated fatty acids etc. are also discussed. Another section of the article deals with the importance of physical and intellectual activities for maintaining cognitive functions. Depression is discussed as a factor that significantly enhances the development of dementia. Finally, a table of recommended preventive, prophylactic and diagnostic measures that could improve the management of cognitive deterioration in the elderly is presented.

Keywords: cognitive functions, dementia, early diagnostics, secondary dementia, nutrition in the elderly, depression