As the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, there is no way to prevent the condition. However, there are some steps that you can take to try to delay the onset of dementia. You should:
- stop smoking
- avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol
- eat a healthy, balanced diet, including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day
- exercise for at least at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e. cycling or fast walking) every week as this will improve both your physical and mental health
- stay mentally active, for example, by reading, writing or taking an adult education course
Future research
Research into Alzheimer’s disease is continuing, and as more is revealed about the condition, other ways to treat or prevent it may be found. However, research does not always produce successful results.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended that the following should not be used to try to prevent dementia:
- statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines)
- hormone replacement therapy (when powerful chemicals are taken to replace those that your body no longer produces)
- vitamin E (found in a variety of foods, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
