2025 Volume 11 Pages 6-9
According to the estimation of Japan’s population composition, the number of individuals over 65 years is expected to rise significantly, with one in four predicted to be 75 years or older by 2070. This demographic trend has increased the focus on dementia prevention. Fourteen modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity are linked to dementia. Cerebral small-vessel disease (SVD), associated with vascular risk factors, plays a critical role in dementia progression. SVD, which affects small blood vessels in the brain, leads to brain damage including white matter lesions and microbleeds, detectable through magnetic resonance imaging. Recent research demonstrates that SVD progression contributes to cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as both often coexist and impact cognitive function. Although the effect of SVD on AD progression remains debatable, managing vascular risk factors is crucial for preventing both SVD and dementia. Early detection and management of SVD may delay the onset of dementia and slow cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for preventive healthcare strategies for aging populations.
