A seven-year French study looked at more than 1,400 healthy people over the age of 65. They found that reducing rates of depression and diabetes while increasing fruit and vegetable consumption over the seven years led to a 21 percent overall reduction in new cases of dementia.
The study's authors say their findings suggest public health initiatives to combat dementia should focus on prompt treatment of depressive symptoms, early screening for diabetes, and encouraging literacy for people of all ages.
