Prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 150 000 Australians and prevention is a high priority. Approaches to reduce the risk of AD and other dementias can be based on the risk factors that have been suggested from case-control and longitudinal studies. There is some evidence of benefit from vitamin E supplements (and possibly also vitamin C), a well-balanced diet including adequate folate and vitamin B12, keeping physically and mentally alert, avoiding head injury, continuing moderate alcohol intake, avoiding excess aluminium exposure, avoiding smoking, and keeping elevated blood pressure, diabetes and other vascular risk factors under control. There are currently insufficient data to support the u..