Prevention of cognitive impairment: scientific guidance and windows of opportunity.

Cognitive impairment of later life is an important medical and public health challenge. Worldwide it is estimated that the number of persons with dementia will continue to increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries. An important public health challenge relates to the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Specifically, is it possible to maintain cognitive vitality or prevent or slow cognitive decline? In this opinion-based piece, I review United States-based guidance statements for maintenance of cognition and select single and multidomain trials designed to preserve cognitive function. Guidance statements now recommend that we treat or prevent cardiovascular risks in hopes of preventing cognitive impairment or decline. I discuss potential gaps between guidance statements and interventional studies, and provide comments on where windows of opportunity may exist to close potential gaps in our quest to maintain cognitive vitality. This article is part of the Special Issue "Vascular Dementia".