11 ways GPs can help patients avoid dementia

GPs could advise middle- and older-aged patients to stay socially engaged, quit smoking, exercise more and try to eat fish twice a week to reduce their chances of developing dementia, guidelines recommend.
New evidence-based advice for GPs has been released, focused on helping patients reduce their risk factors for dementia, in middle and later life.
Co-author Professor Kaarin Anstey, a senior principal researcher at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW in Sydney says GPs are well positioned to play a significant role in dementia risk reduction.
“GPs see people with multiple risk factors and, by using these new recommendations, can ensure patients receive the earliest possible care and advice to reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia,” Professor Anstey said.