WHEN Dr Helena Popovic's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she began a decade of extensive research into improving brain function and preventing dementia.
What is going on in the world that leads to a diagnosis of dementia every three seconds?
Why is Alzheimer's twice as common in women as in men?
What are some of the steps we can take now to help avoid Alzheimer's?
In Australia, 250 people are being diagnosed every day and dementia is the leading cause of death in women and second cause of death in men. But Dr Popovic says it doesn't have to be this way.
A leading authority on improving brain function, she says while we might not yet have a cure, we certainly know how to slow down the disease.
In her new book, Can Adventure Prevent Dementia? A guide to outwitting Alzheimer's, she shares the latest scientific research as well as her personal experience of caring for her father.
"Even before my father's diagnosis 15 years ago, I'd been searching for answers," she writes.
"The most crucial things I've learned about dementia are recounted in this book - a chronicle of our adventure with dementia.
"Most importantly, our experience provides a step-by-step guide to outwitting Alzheimer's - a disease in which education is more powerful than medication."
Dr Popovic says we can be proactive about looking after our brain at every age and stage of life.
"Ageing is inevitable - mental decline is not.
"We play an active role in how our brain develops throughout our life, and it's never too late or too early to boost our brain, avert Alzheimer's and defy dementia."
This informative and deeply personal book - from early signs that something is not quite right through overcoming obstacles, eating for your brain, exercise, the power of music and so much more.
Can Adventure Prevent Dementia? A guide to outwitting Alzheimer's (published by Choose Health) by Dr Helena Popovic, RRP $39.99 at selected bookstores or HERE
