Dementia is one of today’s health time bombs, affecting more than 700,000 people in the UK. This book examines the clinical evidence and analyses risk factors such as smoking, excess alcohol, high blood pressure, obesity, physical inertia, and poorly controlled and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. It also explores the impact of genetic factors; the role of intellectual stimulation; hobbies and activities; the case for remaining physically active; and the importance of social networks. While we can’t rely on lifestyle changes as a way of avoiding dementia, the good news is that they may help delay its onset and slow its progress.