In the fight against dementia, prevention is the best care

The article emphasizes the importance of prevention in the fight against dementia. Novelist Julian Barnes eloquently describes memory loss as the loss of identity, stating that without memory, there is nothingness adrift. Globally, over 57 million people live with dementia, and the number of new cases reported annually is 10 million.

Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability, straining care systems worldwide. Prevention of dementia primarily involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining normal blood pressure, avoiding diabetes, regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental and social activity. A new study suggests that people aged 45 to 65 who follow these guidelines could potentially add 13 more years to their lives without dementia.

However, there are no guarantees, only probabilities and possibilities. The discussion around dementia often revolves around care rather than cure, as prevention comes with no guarantees and a cure remains elusive. In the UK, the new Prime Minister has proposed a radical overhaul of social care, acknowledging the need for more urgent steps towards prevention and cure.

Abu Dhabi is hosting clinical trials aiming to prevent Alzheimer's by using genetic data to identify at-risk individuals. Inoculation with a shingles vaccine has shown promise, as it could potentially reduce dementia risk by up to 20%. This vaccine, typically recommended for older individuals, provides years-long protection against the condition and may slow cognitive decline.

While the cost of the vaccine is relatively high, the potential savings in later-life care outweigh the initial investment. The article concludes by advocating for preventive solutions to combat dementia, stating that safe harbors beat nothingness adrift.