abstract
-
Our experience is that many people including many members of the medical profession are confused about what happens to our brains and minds as we live longer. Consistently, they overestimate the effects of ageing and underestimate the potential for improving the ability of the brain and the mind no matter what age you may be. Linked to this is the fact that, although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, the risk of dementia can be reduced by at least a third because there are many other causes of dementia than Alzheimer’s disease having to do with healthy brain tissue, blood supply to the brain and ability to interact with people and ideas. With this knowledge, we outline steps individuals can take themselves, with family and friends, their community and the health service to improve brain health.