Re: Cancer as a Risk Factor for Long-Term Cognitive

The recent report linking cancer as a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction at a statistically signifi cant level and demen-tia at a non – statistically signifi cant level ( 1) is interesting and highlights the pos-sible risk of unwanted side effects from cancer treatment. However, the link be-tween cancer and cognitive dysfunction is likely due to shared risk factors as well. The study overlooked the role of dietary and lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, smok-ing) in modifying the risks of both cancer and dementia among the elderly. Although genetics plays an important role in the etiology of cognitive dysfunc