Dementia 'delayed by healthy lifestyle'

Healthcare News
25/11/2008
Staying healthy is the most successful way to delay the onset of dementia, according to a mental heath expert.

Staying healthy is the most successful way to delay the onset of dementia, according to a mental heath expert.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society Neil Hunt said that by exercising regularly, eating healthily and not smoking or drinking are contributing factors to stopping the effects of dementia from hitting a person sooner.

Mr Hunt made his comments after hearing of results from recent research, which found that there is no benefit in taking gingko bilboa, a herbal supplement thought to stave off the condition.

He said: "It [is] important to look at how effective these therapies are through rigorous scientific trials."

Additionally, Mr Hunt noted that results of the trials were "very disappointing" given that "over one in ten people" who suffered from the disease were taking the supplement.

Two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community while a further third live in a care home, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

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