The best supplement for preventing dementia is...

One of the most common things I'm asked about is preventing dementia, deservedly so. However, most people want a magic pill. Can some supplements help? Yes, but how realistic is it to take every helpful supplement out there for every scary health condition?

If your family history or genetic testing shows increased risk, then you can spend more on supplementation to help too.

Supplements or not, here’s how you can help prevent dementia:

• Physical activity: stay active, the benefits of this are too much to type, that’s how important it is.

• Learning new things: the key is new, doing the same style crossword puzzles doesn’t have the same effect as learning a new language or instrument.

• Eating well: numerous studies show the benefits of a health balanced diet.

• Preventing/Managing chronic health conditions: High blood pressure and blood sugar, both rampant in America increase your risk of dementia.

• Staying social: Isolation & loneliness increase dementia risk. Join a club, meet up with family & friends

• Getting enough sleep: insufficient sleep in midlife increases dementia risk. If you’re a chronic insomniac, spend the time now conquering it.

• Not drinking alcohol or smoking: Heavy alcohol drinkers are at increased risk of dementia, but alcohol has numerous other downsides too. Smoking increases vascular disease, inflammation, and stress.

• Protecting your hearing: hearing loss tends to lead to social isolation linked to dementia. There are likely other associations, but a hearing aid can slow cognitive decline.

• Limiting exposure to pollutants: high levels of air pollution are linked to higher number of dementia cases. If you can’t move to the mountains, invest in a high quality air filter.

• Knowing your family history: genetics can’t be changed, but you can still reduce your risk by taking extra steps to protect your brain.