Do you get nervous when you feel confused or have forgotten a name or important milestone? Are you left to wonder if something is happening inside your brain? If so, then join the club. It seems a significant number of us worry that we are likely to develop dementia down the road. According to newly published research in JAMA Neurology, nearly half of adults 50-64 believe they are at least somewhat likely to develop dementia. And while that risk assessment is higher than reality will likely bear out (for women their lifetime risk of dementia at age 60 is 24.4% and for men at that age, 17.6%) the research also shows that those who fear dementia are often not following the scientific evidence about how to reduce the risk, and almost no one is discussing the fear with their doctors. While there are limited effective strategies once a firm diagnosis of dementia is made, there is much to be done managing chronic disease and lifestyle behaviors to lessen your risk of developing dementia in the first place. So instead of downing the fish oil or supplements, you’re better off talking with your physician about ways to improve your current health and well-being. Rather than worry, focus on what you can do and find out more here.

And in other recent dementia developments, a newly published study in Neurology finds a link between illiteracy and the risk of developing dementia. According to the research, those people who never learned to read or write (some 32 million American adults) may be as much as 3x more likely to develop dementia than those who are literate. It seems reading may help engage and strengthen the brain in ways that can prevent or delay the development of dementia. So protect your brain and read more here.

Finally, for those of you with a loved one who now suffers from dementia (or with your own recent diagnosis), a new online resource from the University of Colorado has been developed to help plan for and ensure the safety of those with dementia. For ideas and information about how to keep yourself or a loved one safe, begin the conversation by clicking here.