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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Although research is still ongoing, you can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

  • Keep your mind active. Mentally stimulating activities may increase your ability to cope with or compensate for the changes associated with dementia. This includes such things as puzzles and word games, learning a language, playing an instrument, reading, writing, painting or drawing. Not only can these activities delay the onset of dementia but also can help decrease its effects — the more frequent the activity, the more beneficial the effects.
  • Be physically and socially active. Physical and social activities can delay the onset of dementia and also reduce its symptoms. The more frequent the activities, the more significant their effects. Examples of physical activity are walking, swimming and dancing. Social activities include traveling, attending the theater and art exhibits, and playing cards or games.
  • Lower your homocysteine levels. Early research has shown that high doses of three B vitamins — folic acid, B-6 and B-12 — help lower homocysteine levels and appear to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Lower your cholesterol levels. The deposits that occur in the brains of people with high cholesterol are one of the causes of vascular dementia. So lowering your cholesterol levels can help prevent this condition. Statin drugs, which help lower cholesterol levels, also may help lower the risk of developing dementia.
  • Control your diabetes. Controlling diabetes can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  • Lower your blood pressure. Keeping blood pressure at normal levels can significantly reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  • Pursue education. People who've spent more time in formal education appear to have a lower incidence of mental decline, even when they have brain abnormalities. Researchers think 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 studies show that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in certain fish and nuts, can have a protective effect and decrease your risk of developing dementia.
  • Get your vaccinations. Those who receive vaccinations for influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and polio appear to have a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, so staying current on your vaccinations could have a protective effect against developing dementia.
Coping and support
References
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  2. Feldman HH, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Dementia. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008;178:825.
  3. Dementia: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm#1318919213. Accessed Jan. 3, 2009.
  4. National Institute on Aging. Frontotemporal dementia: Growing interest in a rare dementia. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/FTDreprint.htm. Accessed Jan. 11, 2009.
  5. Ersek M, et al. Tube feeding decisions for people with advanced dementia. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging. http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/pef/tube_feeding.php. Accessed Jan. 24, 2009.
  6. Dementia Guidelines for Early Detection, Diagnosis and Management of Dementia. New York, N.Y.: The American Geriatrics Society. http://www.americangeriatrics.org/products/positionpapers/aan_dementiaPF.shtml. Accessed Jan. 24, 2009.
  7. Farlow M. Moderate to severe Alzheimer disease — definition and clinical relevance. Neurology. 2005;65(suppl):S1.
  8. Hsiung G-YR, et al. Genetics and dementia: Risk factors, diagnosis, and management. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2007;3:418.
  9. Patterson C, et al. General risk factors for dementia: A systematic evidence review. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2007;3:341.
  10. Fuhrer R, et al. Exploring sex differences in the relationship between depressive symptoms and dementia incidence: Prospective results from the PAQUID study. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 2003;51:1055.
  11. Wang H-X, et al. Late-life engagement in social and leisure activities is associated with a decreased risk of dementia: A longitudinal study from the Kungsholmen project. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2002:155:1081.
  12. Barberger-Gateau P. Diet and risk of dementia or cognitive decline. Alzheimers & Dementia. 2008;4(suppl):T181.
  13. Xu W-L, et al. Mid- and late-life diabetes in relation to the risk of dementia: A population-based twin study. Alzheimers & Dementia. 2008;4(suppl):T119.
  14. Biessels GJ, et al. Risk of dementia in diabetes mellitus: A systemic review. The Lancet Neurology. 2006;5:64.
  15. Kramer A, et al. Inflammation and Alzheimer's disease: Possible role of periodontal disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2008;4;242.
  16. Tyas SL, et al. Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease: A population-based, longitudinal study in Manitoba, Canada. International Journal of Epidemiology. 2001;30:590.
  17. Hogan DB, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 4. Approach to management of mild to moderate dementia. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008;179:787.
  18. Hogan DB, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 5. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy for mild to moderate dementia. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008;179:1019.
  19. Dementia. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_dementia.asp. Accessed Feb. 8, 2009.
  20. Steps to diagnosis. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_steps_to_diagnosis.asp#physexam. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
  21. Haan MN, et al. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment: Results from the Sacramento area Latino study on aging. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;85:511. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/85/2/511. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.
  22. Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp#Coenzyme_Q10. Accessed Feb. 9, 2009.

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April 17, 2009

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