Is dementia preventable?

Abstract

The ‘blue-zone’ regions of the world are famed for the longevity of their citizens, many living into very advanced old age, and with no signs of dementia. For example, on the tiny Greek island of Ikaria, dementia is almost unheard of. While the debate in the UK and elsewhere on how to treat dementia continues, the people of Ikaria seem to have found an answer: prevent it from occurring in the first place. But are these findings transferable to the UK? In this article, I will examine how far it may be possible to avoid dementia in the UK, even into very old age, with particular emphasis on the role of diet.