Prevention
Some studies indicate that a largely vegetarian diet high in betacarotene and vitamins E and C may lower the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but this is unproven. Nevertheless, eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated animal fat and not smoking tobacco can reduce the risk for stroke and other cardiovascular disorders that may lead to dementia.
Lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk for head injury include:
- Using seat belts
- Wearing a helmet when riding bicycles and motorcycles
- Wearing protective headgear when playing contact sports
Avoiding substance abuse and addiction can reduce the risk for dementia resulting from disease, vitamin deficiency, seizure, and head injury.
Safer sex practices can help prevent HIV and syphilis infection, reducing the risk for AIDS dementia complex and neurosyphilis dementia. The risk for dementia as a result of other metabolic or toxic conditions can be reduced by receiving prompt medical attention at the first sign of illness (e.g., fever, pain, swelling, heat, confusion, other impairment of cognitive function).
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 02 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
Dementia, Dementia Prevention reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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