Question:
I'm hoping to prevent Dementia/alzheimers?

I come from a long line of females all who has suffered and ultimately died from alzheimers disease. Anybody have any suggestions as to what I can do to hopefully avoid this fate?

Any comments for me???

Answer: Be as active as you can, mentally and physically. I've been doing a form of water aerobics that is very challenging to learn (my trainer says I have to "map" the moves into my brain first) because the motions are not what you expect. Anything you do that's different and contrary will make extra pathways in your brain. The more pathways you have, the longer you'll be okay once the disease starts to erode you.Silly things, like paying attention to what foot you use first for walking and trying to use the other foot. Go into an empty parking lot and drive your car with your left foot. Do opposite jumping jacks--with your arms out and your legs in instead of in together and out together (the first few times it will actually hurt your head to try them--that's one of the exercises I do in the pool). Try to learn to do many things in many ways. When you get good at new things so they are second nature, move onto something else, or something more difficult. You might want to try yoga because as you get better at it, your routine will evolve.Don't be passive about anything except when you're asleep!I spoke to the doctor in charge of the study my dad's in at Yale about my fears a few weeks ago. I'm overweight and my dad has AD so that makes me a good candidate. He said that I should take vitamins and eat fish and exercise and I'll most likely be fine.Keep up on the research. And watch yourself for signs. The sooner you start treatment if you do get it, the better off you'll be. And think ahead to the "what if" if you do get it--what will need to be done with your finances and your life.