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Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain

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Worried about memory loss and dementia risk? This new book will show you easy-to-follow steps to keep your brain healthy.

Emily Clionsky, MD, and Mitchell Clionsky, PhD, are a physician and neuropsychologist couple who have cared for their own parents with dementia, created a test used by doctors to measure cognitive function, and treated more than 25,000 patients with cognitive impairment. In Dementia Prevention, they combine the most current scientific findings about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias with their experience to present a practical guide that empowers you to improve your brain's future.

This book skips the fads, the unsupported claims of advertised products, and fringe theories. Instead, the authors guide you through a science-based tour of dementia, including how your brain works and how its function is affected by everything from blood circulation and blood pressure to sugar levels, medications, vision, and hearing. You will learn how your activity level, weight, habits, mental outlook, and social engagement may affect your likelihood of developing dementia.

Dementia Prevention provides a dementia risk checklist to better understand your personal risk profile to help you on your journey. The authors' training and experience as behavioral scientists will help you set better goals, identify roadblocks to success, and overcome these obstacles. Forgetfulness and confusion are not an inevitable part of growing older—you can make changes to keep your brain working well into your 70s and beyond. From how you breathe while you sleep to what you do socially and physically every day, Dementia Prevention will give you practical—and sometimes surprising—methods for you to protect your brain.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2023

52 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

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Emily Clionsky

2 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,257 reviews473 followers
June 26, 2025
Pretty sure I’m high risk, at least according to the authors. But I can take action now now I know what can be done. Will be rereading this one too!
Profile Image for Anne McKeirnan.
221 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
Very comprehensive. I didn’t learn that much though. But that’s basically because I’ve already read a lot about this subject. Both my parents had significant dementia so I’m a little obsessed with how to prevent it. The book is very thoughtful and fact based. There no crazy theories or anything. I’d definitely recommend it for someone that hasn’t already looked into this area a lot.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 1 book4 followers
August 8, 2023
A 3.89. Why would a 42-year-old read a book on dementia prevention? Because my husband and I are watching the insidious nature of dementia unfold with one parent, we're on high alert with prevention (or mitigation?) in another, and with our genetics, we'd like to stall our cognitive demise for as long as possible, for our children's sakes. And ours.

This book is very up to date, published in 2023 and reflecting current research, evidence, and science. Refreshingly gimmick-free, no magic diet or pill or word game will save your brain. Yes, there's a great deal of the typical diet and exercise advice, but the authors put a fresh spin on it by showing how entwined each health aspect is to other parts of health, including brain health. There's a handy "checklist," which is more like a matrix, and readers can see pretty effectively what areas need a bit of attention.

The section on sleep and sleep apnea is particularly well done and important. Apnea is devastating to the human body, and the authors explain WHY in crystal-clear language, centralizing this often-overlooked health contributor. I particularly enjoyed the sections on hearing, largely because of my own observations (and thus anxiety--and sometimes anger--around hearing-impaired relatives who could.not.care.less). We are offered a succinct explanation of the clear correlation between hearing and cognitive decline, three theories on WHY, and the sage advice to freaking address the problem and wear hearing aids even while alone. Finally, the section on mental stimulation--that is, learning new things, changing habits, and stretching the brain with novel experiences and social connections--is just plain hopeful. I did wish the authors took on the myth of "I do the crossword every day! No dementia for me!" and the fact that this is just info retrieval and not the creation of any new neural whatevers, because I hear this ALL THE TIME. Tackling phone use and screen time and pointing out that this is a big issue with older adults too, would've been worthwhile, I thought, but maybe the research isn't there (yet).

This is a valuable text for anyone getting antsy about aging and dementia. Recommended.
Profile Image for Healthypedia.
218 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2023
A well-researched and practical guide that empowers readers to proactively reduce the risk of dementia through evidence-based strategies.

Dementia, a complex and often devastating condition affecting millions worldwide, has become an increasingly prominent concern in our aging society. As the prevalence of dementia-related disorders continues to rise, the need for comprehensive information and effective prevention strategies has never been greater.

In this review, we delve into the critical topic of dementia and explore how the book Dementia Prevention by Emily Clionsky, MD, and Mitchell Clionsky, PhD, tackles this pressing issue. With an aim to provide insights into the book’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as its relevance to those concerned about cognitive health, we embark on a journey to uncover the valuable knowledge and practical guidance it offers to readers striving to protect their brain’s future.


Author’s background

Emily Clionsky, MD, boasts 25 years of expertise as an internal medicine physician and holds the esteemed title of Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Throughout her career, she has provided care to numerous patients grappling with memory-related issues within her private medical practice.

Mitchell Clionsky, PhD, brings a remarkable 45-year track record as a certified clinical neuropsychologist, specialising in the assessment and treatment of individuals dealing with cognitive challenges such as dementia, ADHD, and traumatic brain injuries.


What is the book about?

Dementia Prevention by Emily Clionsky and Mitchell Clionsky is a comprehensive guide aimed at reducing the risk of developing all-cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia related to head trauma and various health conditions. The book challenges the notion that dementia is an inevitable consequence of ageing and emphasises the importance of proactive steps to minimise this risk.

The authors acknowledge that while previous research often focused on isolated factors like exercise, weight, blood pressure, genetics, and medications, recent multiple-factor theories have emerged. Notably, the British Lancet Commission’s dementia prevention paper of 2017 concluded that managing 12 medical conditions and health behaviours could potentially reduce global dementia cases by a significant 40%. A 2022 study further supported this by associating these 12 factors with a substantial 62.4% of dementia cases in the United States.

Emily and Mitchell Clionsky expand on these findings and present a holistic model of dementia risk factors, aiming to empower readers to take control of their brain’s future and reduce the chances of cognitive decline as they age. Their unique perspective stems from their roles as both researchers and clinicians, allowing them to combine scientific evidence with practical insights gained from working directly with patients and their families.


Three key takeaways from Dementia Prevention

1. Lifestyle choices vastly influence dementia risk

Lifestyle factors significantly influence dementia risk. Smoking tobacco is unequivocally detrimental, contributing to half a million annual deaths in the United States and increasing the likelihood of cognitive decline. While there’s no magic food for dementia prevention, adopting diets like the Mediterranean or MIND diet may reduce risk, along with maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise is paramount, with studies consistently showing its benefits in protecting cognitive function. Both aerobic and resistance training are effective. These lifestyle choices have a profound impact on brain health, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in reducing the risk of dementia.

2. Having a healthy breathing pattern is key to having a healthy brain

The book underscores the intricate relationship between sleep disruption, oxygen deprivation, and cognitive impairment. It highlights the prevalence of sleep disturbances in older adults and emphasises the critical role of sleep in cognitive health. The authors cite research that reveals a 50% higher risk of dementia and all-cause mortality in individuals with sleep disruption. Oxygen deprivation has a significant effect on brain function, especially thinking processes.

The book also discusses sleep apnoea, a common condition that leads to interrupted breathing during sleep and consequent cognitive challenges. It is important to diagnose and treat sleep apnea as a preventive measure against cognitive decline.

3. Dementia can be prevented through behavioral change

The book emphasises the remarkable capacity of the human brain to imagine and effect change. By drawing on principles from cognitive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, the book underscores the pivotal role of our thoughts in shaping our behaviors and emotions.

The 10-step process outlined, from setting specific goals to persevering through setbacks, empowers individuals to proactively prevent dementia and cognitive impairment through deliberate, sustainable behavior changes. The key message is that it’s never too late to start, and with persistence and the right mindset, we can make meaningful improvements in our cognitive health.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Offers valuable insights into the latest research, evidence, and science in the field.
• Avoids unfounded or magical solutions and offers gimmick-free approach with a focus on practical and evidence-based strategies
• Includes a helpful checklist/matrix that allows readers to assess and address areas of concern related to dementia prevention.

Weaknesses:
• While the book covers various aspects of dementia prevention comprehensively, it may not offer entirely new information to readers already well-versed in the subject.


Best quotes from Dementia Prevention

“Hypertension and cardiovascular illness, midlife obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels don’t occur in a vacuum. Behind these accelerators of dementia risk, there are lifestyle factors – smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity – that create or worsen those medical conditions.”

“One of the most amazing things about your being human is your ability to imagine what could be, to consider multiple and future options, choose a desired outcome, and then put a plan in place to achieve that goal. You can use the powers of your neocortex, the “new brain” that controls language, imagination, planning, and higher order thinking, to counteract some of the effects of cause-and-effect discontinuity, as discussed in the last chapter. You can use images, concepts, and beliefs that you can hold in your mind to change your behavior. This process of setting goals and labeling them is part of what we call cognitive psychology.”

“This relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and cognition is what we call the “Brain–Breathing Connection.” Such consistent findings suggest that we need to consider breathing and oxygen in any study of new medicines for dementia. They also suggest that we must identify and treat sleep apnea when it is present when someone comes into a doctor’s office complaining of problems thinking or remembering.”



Final takeaway

Dementia Prevention by Emily Clionsky, and Mitchell Clionsky is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to understand and reduce the risk of dementia. With a strong foundation in medical expertise and a holistic approach to dementia prevention, the authors offer readers a comprehensive understanding of the subject. They emphasise the significance of lifestyle choices, the critical role of healthy sleep patterns, and the power of behavioural change in safeguarding cognitive health.

While readers already well-versed in dementia prevention may find some information familiar, this book is a must-read for those concerned about ageing and dementia, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to empower individuals to take control of their brain’s future and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as they age.
Profile Image for Debbie Hagan.
198 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2024
Do you worry that you may be mentally slipping, especially after you've seen your parents, relatives, and/or friends struggle the last few years of their lives with Alzheimer's or dementia? If so, this book may be for you.

According to doctors Emily and Mitchel Clionsky, dementia can be prevented. These doctors have spent their careers treating Alzheimer's, dementia, memory impairment, and other cognitive impairment problems. As this book's title suggests, the doctors suggest how you can prevent dementia. Yes, these doctors suggest one can prevent this disease with proper nutrition, exercise, vitamins, and, in general, a healthy lifestyle.

This book was of extreme interest to me, because both of my parents had Alzheimer's disease in the last years of their lives. This robbed me and my sisters of the last good years with our parents, when we had questions we wanted to ask and things we still wanted to say and discuss with our parents. Yet, Alzheimer's made that impossible.

The subtitle of this book, "Using your head to save your brain," is really the thrust of this book-- what you can do to prevent dementia. Some of the things the doctors recommend are good sleep, vigorous exercise to circulate blood flow, keep the brain alert, cutting back or eliminating alcohol, eliminate smoking, and other practical advice that will keep the brain healthy and avoid plaque growth and brain tangles.

This is an excellent and easy to read book for anyone concerned who has concerns about an aging brain.
Profile Image for Carmen Hecox.
10 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2024
Dementia Prevention: A Lifesaving Guide to Protecting Your Brain Health

Have you ever watched a loved one change before your eyes due to the early onset of dementia, feeling as though a stranger has taken over their body? If you've ever wished you could make a difference and help delay the onset of dementia, then “Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain” is the book you need. Written by Drs. Emily and Dr. Mitchell Clionsky, who together have treated over 20,000 patients, this book is the culmination of ten years of carefully vetted research.

While it doesn't claim to offer a cure for dementia, “Dementia Prevention” provides practical, science-backed strategies for preventing its symptoms. The Clionskys introduce quick and easy lifestyle changes that you can adopt today to help preserve your brain health. More importantly, they explain why these changes are crucial in protecting your brain from deterioration.

One of the eye-opening takeaways from the book is learning that early-onset Alzheimer’s can affect people as young as their 40s and 50s. Alzheimer’s, as the book clarifies, is just one form of dementia—a fact that many may not fully realize.

This book is essential reading for all age groups. Don’t wait until you reach your later years to start understanding dementia and taking preventive steps. Pick up a copy of “Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain” today and begin making proactive changes. Your brain will thank you!
Profile Image for WiseB.
230 reviews
August 13, 2023
A comprehensive coverage of various factors (and elaboration of each) that associate with dementia risk ... nicely presented in a one page diagram including some of the inter relationship among the factors. These are categorized into seven groups in the Dementia Risk Model as follow -

• Genetics and Early-Life Factors
• Midlife Medical Conditions
• Lifestyle Factors of Smoking, Diet and Exercise
• Sleeping, Breathing, Breathing while Sleeping
• Metabolic and Vitamin Deficiencies
• Alcohol, Drugs and Medications
• Sensory and Emotional Factors
Profile Image for Kenzie.
240 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2025
Honestly, just say we don't know what causes it but here are some correlations which in no way equal causation. Like they have a whole chapter on hearing loss and a third of people who have hearing loss in their older age also have dementia....okay, that just means you're looking at older people? That's certainly nothing to write a chapter about. And your advice is what? Don't lose your hearing? Like they just throw unhealthy traits and say, maybe this is it so watch your weight and alcohol intake....Like thanks for that. One of their tips is literally WEAR A SEATBELT. lol
Profile Image for Michelle van Schouwen.
76 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2023
An excellent blend of research findings on dementia and practical, actionable steps any reader can take to reduce the risk of later cognitive impairment, Dementia Prevention is an important read. Many people fear dementia even more than other serious health risks such as heart disease or cancer. Fortunately, most of the practices that lower dementia risk are also smart health moves overall. Whether you are 30 or 75, it's worth checking out your own health journey.
Author 41 books58 followers
July 20, 2023
A good overview of the different types of dementia, how some can be resolved with diet and changes in medication, and prevention efforts for other types. The field is changing more rapidly now, with new information and treatments for Alzheimer's, but no cure in sight.

This is a nonjudgmental, non prescriptive review of forms of dementia and appropriate responses.
Profile Image for Amelia.
590 reviews22 followers
December 5, 2023
A well-written and informative book about the causes of the various types of Dementia, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. This husband-wife duo discuss the genetics that inform Dementia as well as the contributing factors we have control over (sleeping, smoking, nutrition). This is definitely a great guidebook with plenty of information on how to try to stave off this disease.
Profile Image for Courtney Grayson.
18 reviews
July 11, 2024
An excellent review of the current literature on dementia and an easy read as well. I used this in preparation for a class I taught on dementia and found this information in this book very useful. The authors model for the risk factors leading to dementia is among the best and most thorough that I’ve seen.
Profile Image for Erinn Camp.
507 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Audiobook: the only reason I rated this a 3 is because it was very “science-y” and not for the everyday person. I was looking for a “Dementia Prevention: Simplified” book and this wasn’t it. If you like data and the science of dementia, this is for you. I appreciate the work that was put into this though, more needs to be done for sure.
Profile Image for Ximena Elizondo.
144 reviews
Read
November 8, 2025
sooooooo in conclusion
• there needs to be more research on dementia prevention
• the advice is basically “don’t be overweight, exercise, get good sleep, don’t drink too much, get your vitamins” - things we hear all the time about general health

this also went from dementia prevention to a self help book at the end (not what I was expecting but I guess I can see why it transitioned like that)
122 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2023
Not great as an audiobook, but really interesting and illuminating!
Profile Image for Keith Faber.
17 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2023
Short book on a serious topic. In short: get exercise, take care of your senses, keep using your brain and most importantly make sure you get sleep. Sleep apnea has a strong correlation to dementia.
Profile Image for Ash.
94 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
Very interesting. Highlighted a lot of things that I didn’t realize could contribute to cognitive decline.
18 reviews
December 18, 2024
Lots of common sense, general good health suggestions that will also help with dementia prevention
Profile Image for Helen.
801 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2025
Excellent book. Not only does the book explain steps to take to reduce dementia risk, it clearly explains why. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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