Contributions of a Risk Assessment Approach to the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

The development and integration of risk assessment and clinical risk management for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia is a rapidly emerging field of research and practice. At present, risk management is the only available approach with potential for a large impact on the projected rates of dementia, given population aging. This review describes six available risk assessment tools, including those developed specifically for AD and those for dementia. These tools differ along several important dimensions, including whether they (a) include clinical measures, (b) require a clinician's ratings, (c) are predominantly self-report, (d) are independently validated, and (e) are available online. A narrative review of recently identified risk factors not included in these instruments is included, indicating future directions for risk assessment. Finally, consideration is given to the prioritization of risk advice according to the ease of risk modification and the potential for synergies among risk factors.