Dementia prevention should begin long before the first alarming symptoms appear. According to neurobiologists Mia Kivipelto and Ahmad Hariri, changes in brain function can start many years before a diagnosis is made.
According to The Washington Post, it has long been believed that the brain actively develops during childhood and adolescence, and then remains stable until old age. However, modern research shows that aging processes can begin much earlier.
According to scientists, the first signs of future cognitive impairments can appear 15–20 years before dementia is diagnosed. This is why specialists recommend paying special attention to brain health starting in middle age.
Researchers identify the age range from 30 to 60 years as the most critical period. During this time, it is essential to pay particular attention to lifestyle: maintain a sleep schedule, adhere to a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity.
Experts say that the absence of such habits can contribute to the accumulation of changes that will negatively affect brain function over time.
Neurobiologists also advise continuously maintaining mental activity. Learning foreign languages, acquiring new skills, reading, engaging in creative activities, and participating in intellectual pursuits help form new neural connections.
Equally important, specialists consider social contacts. Communication with friends and family, participation in community life, and having a favorite hobby contribute to strengthening the so-called cognitive reserve — the brain's ability to preserve its functions longer even amid age-related changes.
Researchers emphasize that while it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of dementia, a healthy lifestyle and constant intellectual activity can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the disease and help maintain mental clarity for many years.
