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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's no sure way to prevent dementia, but there are steps you can take that might help. More research is needed, but it may be beneficial to do the following:

  • Keep your mind active. Mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles and word games, and memory training may delay the onset of dementia and help decrease its effects.
  • Be physically and socially active. Physical activity and social interaction may delay the onset of dementia and reduce its symptoms.
  • Quit smoking. Some studies have shown smoking in middle age and older may increase your risk of dementia and blood vessel (vascular) conditions. Quitting smoking may reduce your risk.
  • Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure may lead to a higher risk of some types of dementia. More research is needed to determine whether treating high blood pressure may reduce the risk of dementia.
  • Pursue education. People who have spent more time in formal education appear to have a lower incidence of mental decline, even when they have brain abnormalities. Researchers believe that education may help your brain develop a strong nerve cell network that compensates for nerve cell damage caused by Alzheimer's disease.
  • Maintain a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is important for many reasons, but a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in certain fish and nuts, may promote overall health and lower your risk of developing dementia.
Coping and support
References
  1. Dementia: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm?css=. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  2. What is dementia? Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  3. Shadlen MF, et al. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  4. Hake AM, et al. Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  5. Hake AM, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  6. Types of dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  7. Vascular dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/vascular-dementia-symptoms.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  8. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/dementia/fronto-temporal-dementia-ftd-symptoms.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  9. Rodnicksky RL. Parkinson disease dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  10. Press D, et al. Prevention of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 20, 2012.
  11. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2013.
  12. Shadlen MF, et al. Risk factors for dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  13. Press D, et al. Treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  14. Press D, et al. Cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  15. Press D, et al. Safety and societal issues related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  16. Press D, et al. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  17. Eating. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  18. The changing brain in AD. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/part-2-what-happens-brain-ad/changing-brain-ad. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  19. Personal care: Assisting a person with dementia with changing daily needs. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  20. Communication and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  21. Creating a daily plan. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-creating-a-plan.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  22. Early-stage caregiving. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-early-mild-stage-caregiving.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  23. Sleep issues and sundowning. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  24. Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  25. Wollen KA. Alzheimer's disease: The pros and cons of pharmaceutical, nutritional, botanical, and stimulatory therapies, with a discussion of treatment strategies from the perspective of patients and practitioners. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:223.
  26. Buettner LL, et al. Animal-assisted therapy for clients with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2011;37:10.
  27. Being a healthy caregiver. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  28. Taking care of yourself. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_taking_care_of_yourself.asp. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  29. Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  30. Graff-Radford NR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 4, 2013.
  31. Graff-Radford NR. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 4, 2013.
DS01131 April 16, 2013

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