Scientists from the University of Oxford have studied how modifiable risk factors affect brain health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 to 70% of dementia cases are linked to Alzheimer's disease.
More than 55 million people worldwide already suffer from dementia. Dementia robs us of our independence, says Katarzyna Staszak, from Oxford University. The first signs of dementia are forgetting recent events; getting lost while walking or driving; being disoriented, even in familiar places; having difficulty solving problems or making decisions; and misjudge people, she says. For confidential support, call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. In the UK, call the helpline on 0800 0300 90 90 90 or visit the Samaritans in the UK.