ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE IN AGING: STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the decline of cognitive and motor functions, being the most prevalent form of dementia among older adults. Its prevalence shows an increasing trend, representing a significant public health concern. This study aimed to analyze prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases, using the Health Sciences Descriptors: “dementia,” “aging,” “Alzheimer,” “neurodegenerative diseases,” and “treatment,” combined through the Boolean operators AND and OR. Articles published between 2021 and 2026, in Portuguese and English, available in full text and relevant to the topic, were included. Duplicate, non-relevant studies and publications with methodological limitations were excluded, resulting in a final sample of 13 studies. Findings indicate that lifestyle-based interventions, such as physical activity, sleep quality, and adherence to the MIND diet, may be associated with reduced risk and slower cognitive decline. Isolated supplementation shows inconsistent evidence. Biomarkers demonstrate potential for early detection, although with limitations regarding clinical applicability. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions show promising but heterogeneous effects. It is concluded that multidimensional approaches are essential, with persistent gaps regarding the effectiveness and clinical applicability of these strategies.