Psychiatrist's Book Suggests Ways to Prevent Dementia

This book could well have been titled Everything You Wanted to Know About Alzheimer's But Were Afraid to Ask, in honor of Dr. David Reuben's tome that shocked and informed us back in the sixties. Now it is a new milennium, and instead of worrying about sex, we're worried about senility. For those who like to be informed about what they are worrying about, Dr. Scott D. Mendelson's encyclopedic treatment will be a godsend. For those of us who want a quick fix to the problems of aging, there are no simple answers here, which shouldn't be surprising.

What is here is worthwhile if not sensational. Mendelson explains in great detail about the different types of dementia. He provides a list of vitamins, herbs and "nutraceuticals" that could be helpful in preventing dementia. To Mendelson's credit, none of these are presented as miracle cures. When he does move on to the chapter on prevention, he does offer advice which is helpful in leading a generally healthful life. He does not, however, offer significant proof that any of these strategies will combat the threat of dementia. Dr. Mendelson's suggestions include:

• Stopping metabolic syndrome
• Eating a Mediterranean-style diet
• Maintaining the proper weight
• Exercising
• Getting quality sleep
• Treating sleep apnea
• Avoiding environmental stressors
• Treating depression
• Exercising your mind
• Staying socially active.

Although I believe that the steps suggested by Mendelson are practically a blueprint for good living and healthful aging, I'm not convinced that any of them are scientifically proven to prevent dementia. There is no doubt, however, that they will produce a better quality of life than if they are ignored.