Can You Outsmart Your Genes? Beating Dementia Risk

Henry Furniss is actively changing his lifestyle to combat a family history of vascular dementia. His father, Valentine Furniss, an 87-year-old retired banker, now requires full-time care due to the disease's progression, a situation tragically familiar to Henry as his grandfather and great-uncle also suffered from dementia.

Despite a family history that might suggest inevitability, Henry is inspired by emerging research indicating that nearly half of all dementia cases are preventable. He highlights that middle age is a critical period for making lifestyle choices that can significantly influence future health outcomes, urging others to take preventative action before it's too late.

Henry has adopted a rigorous routine, including intense cycling training, a diet rich in fresh produce, prioritized sleep, and minimal alcohol consumption. These changes aim not only to reduce his personal risk but also to protect his family from the emotional and financial toll of dementia, aligning with the growing understanding that the disease is largely preventable through conscious lifestyle choices.