Can dementia be prevented?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Mon, 14/03/2011 - 12:59pm

Research suggests that there are many things we can do to keep our brains, along with the rest of our body, healthy as we age.

Increasing age and family history are the most important risk factors for certain types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, but not everyone with these risk factors will get dementia.

Keeping mentally active and continuously challenging our brain is thought to build our "brain reserve", protecting us from the damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Engaging in regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain encouraging the growth of new brain cells and reducing brain shrinkage. Physical activity also protects us from chronic diseases associated with a higher risk of dementia, notably diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Lifestyle factors play a large role in the prevention of certain types of dementia. Research is looking into how a nutritious diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables and low in fatty foods can keep our brains healthy.

Not smoking, avoiding head injury and keeping socially active appear to offer some protection against vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.