Drink coffee, tell jokes, read, nap — how to cut your risk of dementia
Many of the determinants of cognitive decline are within your control. Neurologist Dr Richard Restak tells Anna Maxted the nine best ways to stay sharp
In his 21st book on the brain, How to Prevent Dementia — Understanding and Managing Cognitive Decline, Dr Richard Restak, clinical professor of neurology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, describes a man in the early stages of the disease. He’s in his seventies, sits on committees, handles technology, manages his finances, does well on neuropsychological tests, but has “mild irritability” and “increasing forgetfulness” regarding names and recent events. Crikey, he sounds more together than I am, I say. Why did he seek diagnosis?
Restak, 81 — speaking on Zoom from Washington — chuckles but gives a serious answer. “The principle to keep in mind is that the major aspects of our personality are established by the time we reach 20
