At the moment a lot more research is needed to find a sure way of preventing Alzheimer's, and we don't yet know if this will be found. However, we are beginning to learn more about factors that can make it more or less likely that you will get the disease, and this is the first step.

It seems sure now that Alzheimer's is more common among people who smoke or drink heavily, eat an unhealthy diet or lead a very sedentary lifestyle with too little exercise or activity (both physical and mental.) Of course, even if you avoid all these things there is no guarantee that you won't get dementia, but you can make it less likely.

One thing that health professionals strongly recommend is that you keep your mind active as you get older. Studies show that even things like doing puzzles can help, though it's better to take up something challenging like learning a foreign language or following an exam course.

You can find more information here.