Dementia and You: Care, Protection and Reducing Risk

Dementia is of concern to many people and it often evokes feelings of fear and confusion. No wonder, as it will soon be the major cause of disability and death, outstripping cancer, heart disease and stroke; imposing a massive burden on families, health systems and economies worldwide. Having a mother who had dementia provoked an extending grieving for her loss and resulted in a lot of confusion and anxiety in our family. Not knowing what it was for so long and then what to do and how to support my father. "Dementia and You" encourages people to seek early assessment and to prepare for dementia if it afflicts them, their families or friends. It clearly explains how to talk about it, what you might expect and what you can do in terms of prevention and treatment. Early diagnosis provides many benefits: symptoms, like memory loss may not be dementia but may be normal or treatable; interventions can delay onset or slow progress and it allows people a say in their care before it is too late. The book also talks about new models of care and the need for in-home services and day-centres. What has become evident is that lifestyle is a very important factor in the prevention of dementia: 75% of degenerative disease is preventable. The latest research indicates that stopping smoking, losing weight, exercise, a healthy diet and supplements can all reduce the chances of getting dementia and other chronic diseases. It seems that we can do a lot to minimise the risk and that moderate exercise, healthy eating, vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants can protect us from environmental hazards that damage cells and provide benefits we cannot conveniently get from modern diets.