Abstract
Dementia risk factors are important to recognize with the growing population of older adults. Due to immunosenescence and common comorbidities, older adults are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases, and the scientific literature demonstrates a strong association between infectious diseases and dementia risk. Many such infections are potentially preventable through vaccinations, and studies show that antiviral agents reduce dementia risk. As such, public health measures related to infectious diseases may also lower dementia incidence. This chapter discusses a broad range of central nervous system and other infections, the risk of dementia among individuals with infectious diseases, and common mechanisms of action.