Abstract

Abstract

Overview

Dementia risk reduction is a critical public health priority. This systematic review seeks to identify environmental risk factors contributing to dementia, thereby addressing a significant gap in current knowledge.

Methods

• Extensive database search up to January 2016 including PubMed and Web of Science.
• Screening of 4784 studies, with 60 studies included in the review.
• Exclusion criteria: Studies focusing on nutrition, cognition outcomes, and physiological measures of exposure.

Findings

Risk factors categorized into six groups: air quality, toxic heavy metals, other metals, other trace elements, occupational-related exposures, and miscellaneous environmental factors. Factors with moderate evidence of association include:

• Air pollution
• Aluminium
• Silicon and selenium
• Pesticides
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Electric and magnetic fields

Conclusion

While variations in study size and quality exist, the evidence supports further targeted research into specific environmental risk factors. Notably, electric and magnetic fields require additional investigation due to their potential link to increased dementia risk. Longitudinal studies are recommended to substantiate these preliminary findings.