Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer's Disease From Developing?

May 4, 2009 -- Question: Is there anything I can do to prevent Alzheimer's disease from developing?

Answer: Unfortunately, at the moment, there's no way to guarantee that you can prevent Alzheimer's disease. There are, however, a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that can lower your risk. We encourage people to undertake a heart-healthy lifestyle; that is, to control blood pressure, control cholesterol, control diabetes, control body weight.

We also encourage people to maintain both physical and social activity. This stimulates the brain, and it's clear that stimulating the brain and leading a mentally stimulating lifestyle decreases the risk for Alzheimer's.