Some of the causes of dementia, such as reactions to drugs, alcohol and medicines, hormone and vitamin imbalances, and depression, are reversible.  By making changes in your environment and lifestyle, you may be able to slow the progress and even reverse the effects of dementia.

Some important changes to consider are:

• Check your house for lead paint and take steps to remove or contain it as soon as possible.
• Get regular physical exercise.
• Stop smoking.
• Stop drinking alcohol.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Keep your cholesterol under control.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet; it is also good for your brain.
• Fruits and vegetables
• More fish, less meat
• "Good" oils, such as olive oil
• Antioxidants - nutrients and other substances that protect cells in the body from the damage caused by "oxygen free radicals" (molecules that seek to become oxidized, a process that harms body tissues and has been linked to many diseases, including stroke, heart disease, and cancer); antioxidants are found naturally in food but are also available as dietary supplements.  Important antioxidants include:
• Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene (found in carrots)
• Lycopene  (found in tomatoes)
• Flavonoids  (found in ginkgo biloba, black cherries, blackberries, bilberries and blueberries)
• Quericetin - a specialized flavonoid
• Coenzyme Q10 - a vitamin-like substance
• Some research shows that older people, especially heavy drinkers and smokers, as well as those who are eating less, taking aspirin frequently, or who have impaired immune systems, may benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily.
• Folates - foods rich in folic acid, such as:
• Green vegetables
• Strawberries, oranges, raspberries
• Tomatoes
• Nuts and seeds
• Phytoestrogens-plant, estrogen-like substances and natural estrogens have not been shown to be beneficial

Following these guidelines, taking good care of yourself and having regular medical check-ups can strongly help prevent the onset of dementia, slow its progress, and reverse its effects.