Dr. Tom Russ and Professor John Starr, of the University of Edinburgh, are experts on the subject of health and aging. They offer up four factors during the middle years that may help us avoid dementia later in life.

We should increase the amount of exercise we get. We should keep our weight under control. We should keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels down to safe levels. Doing these things may reduce the possibility of dementia by 20 percent.

Sound familiar? These factors are also important in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. "Therefore, the same healthy living efforts you may be familiar with for prevention of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, also apply to prevention of dementia. So, don’t leave it too late – start today and step up your exercise levels, and make sure you ‘know your numbers’ when it comes to blood pressure and cholesterol. You will be protecting your mind as well as your body."

http://www.healthandage.com/healthy-living-in-middle-years-could-prevent-dementia-23902