Prevention 101:
Quick overview of dementia & prevention

Four black-and-white MRI scans of human brains showing different cross-sections.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a condition where abnormal proteins build up around brain cells and interfere with their communication.

This leads to gradual difficulties with memory, speaking, movement, and other brain and body functions.

A family gathered around a table outdoors in an orchard during sunset, enjoying drinks and conversation.

Can Dementia be Prevented?

Yes. In at least 50% of cases, the disease can be prevented. This percentage is likely even higher, since only 10% of dementia cases are linked to your genetics.

Even in those who already have mild cognitive impairment, 25-40% of people can reverse or slow the disease.

Black and white photo of a chessboard with chess pieces, including a toppled king, in the center.

How is this possible?

Signs of a disease happen when our brains are out of balance (called loss of homeostasis). By reducing things that cause damage and increasing things that build strength, we can stay balanced and prevent symptoms.

If you have lots of strong brain cells that can communicate despite the protein buildup (something called “cognitive reserve”), you can delay or even avoid developing symptoms of the disease, even if there is extensive protein buildup.

Animated illustration of neural neurons with glowing synapses in purple and pink hues against a blue background.

How can you reduce damage and build cognitive reserve?

There are at least 18 targets for dementia prevention that can improve your brain strength or reduce damage, thereby improving your cognitive reserve.

An elderly woman with white hair, oversized sunglasses, yellow jacket, colorful beaded necklace, smiling and making a rock 'n' roll gesture with arms crossed in front of an orange background.

The 18 targets are:

  1. Hearing

  2. Vision

  3. Hobbies

  4. Alcohol

  5. Certain medications

  6. Sleep and/or sleep apnea

  7. Falls with head injury

  8. Social isolation

  9. Depression

10. Anxiety/Stress

11. Mindset

12. Exercise

13. Nutrition

14. Smoking

15. Blood pressure

16. Blood sugar

17. Cholesterol

18. Weight

Four people, two men and two women, celebrating with sparklers around a table with pizza in a cozy, warmly-lit wooden room.

When Do I Need to Start?

Earlier the better.

The abnormal proteins that cause dementia start to build up in the brain 10 to 30 years before symptoms appear. This means most people should begin taking steps to prevent dementia in mid-life, around age 40-65.

Low-angle view of a large tree with extensive roots and green foliage, sunlight shining through the branches.

Is it too late if I am already forgetful?

No. Even when memory symptoms appear people can make changes to recover or slow the disease.

It is only once the disease is in moderate stages that lifestyle changes are unlikely to make a significant difference (based on what we know right now).

Person walking down a dirt path surrounded by trees during sunset, wearing a red jacket and black pants.

Aldora will teach you how to build brain strength and reduce damage.

This will optimize your cognitive reserve and increase your chances of a long and healthy life.

Next step: learn the basics of prevention with our introductory articles.

Read Now