Start with what is sustainable
No routine can guarantee that a person will prevent dementia. The practical starting point is a set of ordinary, sustainable steps that support brain and cardiovascular health.
Care for your vascular health. Work with your clinician on blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and smoking.More on blood pressure and blood vessels
Move regularly. Choose activity that is safe, realistic, and possible to continue.More on movement and balance
Protect sleep. Make enough time for sleep and discuss persistent sleep problems with a clinician.More on sleep
Eat for overall health. Favor a balanced pattern that supports cardiovascular health rather than searching for one special “brain diet.”More on food and supplements
Stay connected and engaged. Choose social and mental activities that are meaningful to you.More on staying connected
Hearing, vision, mood and medicines
Research gives reasons for both optimism and restraint. Some multidomain programs have produced small benefits on cognitive-test outcomes in selected groups, but they do not prove that one routine will prevent dementia for an individual. Health, disability, access, and circumstance shape what is possible; this is not a test of discipline.
Cognitive health guidance from the National Institute on Aging