Cognitive impairment and dementia – an update

Cognitive impairment and dementia afflict a large number of people worldwide, being a major source of disability and loss of income. The amount of research on this subject is extensive, covering from basic to translational and clinical aspects. Therefore, it is hard to keep up with the amount of publications and novelties in this field, especially for the busy clinician. On the other hand, basic scientists often find it difficult to explore the vast clinical literature on this matter, as well as understand the clinical features of these disorders and to define the current research needs and directions. The main aim of this Frontiers Research Topic is to provide a solid and valuable platform of scientific synthesis regarding the current knowledge and literature on this theme, including clinical features, current and emergent diagnostic strategies, management (both present and future), and other important issues pertaining to cognitive impairment and dementia. The submission of research studies is also encouraged, in order to provide the readership with the most recent findings in the field.

Topics to be considered include:
-Mild cognitive impairment
-Alzheimer’s disease
-Dementia with Lewy Bodies
-Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration/Frontotemporal Dementia Syndromes
-Prion diseases
-Vascular cognitive impairment
-Other disorders: multiple sclerosis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, other secondary causes of cognitive impairment
-Early diagnosis in dementing disorders
-Clinical assessment
-Neuroimaging
-CSF and serum biomarkers
-Neuropathology
-Genetics
-Management, including current and emergent therapies, cognitive rehabilitation and other non-pharmacological treatments, ethical issues and end of life care