Modifiable Bio and Life-Style Markers in Predicting Cognitive Decline

With the increase in life expectancy and the impact of neurodegenerative diseases, especially dementia, there is a growing burden of cognitive impairment in older adults. While effective disease-modifying treatment has still to be found, growing consensus identifies that lifestyle plays a significant role in both – increasing and diminishing the risks of cognitive impairment.

We aim to investigate the role of cognitive and motor reserve in delaying cognitive decline and identify the role of event-related potentials as early functional biomarkers of pathological cognitive decline. A comprehensive test battery for psychological and lifestyle evaluation will be used, and structural and functional measures using brain MRI and EEG will be obtained.

The results of the study will provide arguments for policymakers to successfully implement strategies for healthy aging. The project complies with the objectives identified in Latvia’s Research Priorities 2018-2021 and the 2017-2025 WHO Global action plan on the public health response to dementia, calling for evidence-based practice in dementia risk reduction and care.