Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 1. Risk assessment and primary prevention of Alzheimer disease.

The article offers information about the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. It also offers practical guidance to physicians on risk assessment and primary prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Modifiable factors for Alzheimer's disease include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and environmental exposures. Primary prevention of Alzheimer's disease includes regulating vascular risk factors, and weak or insufficient evidence for control of lifestyle factors and prescription of medicines. Avoidance of estrogens and high dosages of vitamin A are also included.