Abstract
Background
Systematic reviews of health care interventions in a single database have great practical
value.
Methods
We analyze the dementia related information in the Cochrane Library.
Results
In 2008 the Cochrane Library has over 5300 systematic reviews, and in the latest —
2008/3 — issue over 100 reviews have the term “dementia” in their title, abstract
or keywords. The Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group has a major role
in preparing systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials in the field of dementia.
Pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions are analyzed. The reviews
are prepared by strict methodology and have uniformed, organized structure. Cochrane
reviews or at least their abstracts are available free of charge at www.cochrane.org. About an intervention a review may find evidence of benefit, evidence of harm, or
evidence of no effect. For several interventions there is not enough evidence of effect
— due to lack of information or if the studies are not conclusive, further research
is recommended. In addition to systematic reviews the Cochrane Library includes a
large database of bibliographic data of randomized controlled trials, technology assessments
and economic evaluations.
Conclusions
The use of this source of information is strongly recommended for all who are involved
in patient care or health care policy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 09, 2009
Identification
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© 2009 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
