15.2.2  Prevention of dementia

While it is not possible to prevent age-related dementia, there are some measures that can help the person avoid some types of dementia, as well as cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks. The rule here appears to be ‘What is good for your heart is also good for your head.’ You should inform people that the best ways to guard against dementia are to:

• eat a healthy diet
• maintain a healthy weight
• get sufficient and regular exercise
• drink alcohol in moderation
• not smoke.

For detailed discussion of these disease prevention strategies please refer to Study Sessions 1, 14 and 18 of this Module.