What is the most effective suggestion for preventing dementia for someone concerned about family history?

Engaging in stimulating activities, such as auditing college classes, is a highly effective suggestion for preventing dementia, particularly for individuals who are concerned about a family history of the condition. Cognitive engagement through lifelong learning has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Auditing college classes encourages individuals to think critically, enhances memory function, and provides social interaction—all of which are beneficial for brain health.

Cognitive activities are believed to build cognitive reserve, which is the brain's ability to improvise and find alternate ways of completing tasks, helping to offset the effects of age-related changes or injury. Therefore, participation in educational activities not only keeps the mind active but also serves as a protective factor against dementia.

On the other hand, while medications such as Aricept can be important for individuals already diagnosed with certain types of dementia, they do not serve as preventive measures. Methylated folate and copper supplementation might have their own benefits in specific contexts but are not robustly supported as effective strategies for dementia prevention.