Introduction:

The exploration of beliefs and knowledge about dementia and its prevention provides insight into misconceptions about brain and cognitive health, as well as knowledge about the risk factors for dementia and regarding actions implemented by the general population to prevent cognitive decline. The determination of protective or risk factors allows the design of interventions aimed at enhancing knowledge about dementia prevention.

Objective:

To explore the available evidence about the protective and risk factors that have an impact on dementia and that increase or reduce the risk of developing it; as well as the level of existing knowledge among the general public about dementia and its prevention.

Methods:

A literature and document review was carried out in digital data sources. The following keywords, in English and Spanish, were used for the search: conocimiento público sobre demencia [public knowledge about dementia], factores protectores [protective factors], factores de riesgo [risk factors], prevención de demencia [dementia prevention]. The consultations were performed in Scopus, EBSCO Health, PubMed (search engine), SciELO and PsycINFO.

Conclusions:

Up to date, the accumulated evidence about some factors, such as diet, cholesterol level, hypertension, obesity, depression, physical and cognitive inactivity, and smoking support the importance of lifestyle in dementia prevention. Research suggests that knowledge about the potential for dementia prevention is poor; therefore, programs are needed to increase public knowledge about dementia and about what to do to prevent it.

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