Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. It is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, memory, attention, and executive function—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change.

Dementia is a growing social problem. It is estimated that the number of people suffering from dementia, worldwide, is increasing by 9.9 million people annually or 1 person every 3 seconds. Currently the total number of sufferers is about 46.8 million people, expected to triple to 132 million people by 2050. The present distribution, worldwide, is as follows: Africa 4 million, Americas 9.4 million, Europe 10.5 million, and Asia 22.9 million.

New diagnostic techniques for dementia and therapeutic drugs for sufferers have been developed. However, it is equally important to develop preventive technology and rehabilitative care and presently there is a lag in advances in these fields.

This special issue aims to discuss prevention efforts before the onset of dementia, problems with patients after the onset of dementia, and rehabilitation treatment for dementia.

All research articles regarding prevention and rehabilitation for dementia are welcome for submission, including basic science and clinical research. Review articles are also encouraged to be submitted.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Lifestyle factors and prevention of dementia
• Potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications for dementia
• Behavioral and cognitive changes following rehabilitation approaches
• Effects of rehabilitation on cognitive dysfunction in dementia
• Exercise therapy for patients before onset of dementia
• Social welfare approaches for dementia and cognitive dysfunction
• Problems of cognitive decline and rehabilitation strategies