Brain Health Strategies to reduce Dementia Risk in Middle-Aged Adults with Cognitive Decline: A Scoping Review Protocol

<ns3:p>Introduction Mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD) is characterised by a slight and noticeable decline in cognitive abilities that does not significantly interfere with an individual’s daily functioning. This may progress to dementia. Dementia risk reduction is often misconceived as a strategy associated with later life. However, the newer term ‘brain health’ resonates with people of all ages. Individuals at midlife with mNCD face challenges in maintaining cognitive function while managing work and social responsibilities. Midlife provides a critical window for preventive interventions which begin to exert a significant influence on brain health trajectories. However, available evidence on how middle-aged individuals with mNCD maintain brain health remains fragmented. This protocol addresses the main question: How do middle-aged individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder maintain brain health? This will systematically map the existing literature on brain health strategies and interventions used by this group to provide a more nuanced understanding of barriers and facilitators to maintaining brain health. Methods This scoping review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley’s (2005) methodology framework. A systematic search will be conducted across five electronic databases [PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane], grey literature sources and specific websites of professional and healthcare organisations. Studies will be selected according to a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria by independent reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Screening and data extraction will be managed using Covidence software. Equity mapping will be undertaken using the Cochrane Progress Plus tool. Conclusion This scoping review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of strategies employed by middle aged individuals with mild neurocognitive disorder to maintain brain health. By mapping the existing evidence, the review will offer insights into commonly used interventions by people themselves and identify areas requiring further research.</ns3:p>