The Simple Steps That Can Prevent Dementia - WSJ

My grandmother was terrified of losing her memory, but in the end she did. 

Here’s what could have helped her—and can help you. Steps That Can Prevent Dementia - WSJ - Tom Frieden

She pleaded with me to prevent this fate.
But that’s exactly what happened. 

• I watched helplessly...as dementia consumed the fierce intellect that defined my grandmother. 
• She spent her final years biting at nursing staff, unable to communicate. 

I felt that I had failed her...

• Evelyn’s blood pressure crept up when she was in her 70s...
• Her cholesterol, too, was considered acceptable by the standards of her era...
• Evelyn started smoking at 65, thinking it wouldn’t catch up with her at that age. She was wrong...
• Evelyn was also sedentary. She read voraciously but rarely walked...
• My grandmother supplied my sweet tooth with cookies and chocolate at every visit... 
• Evelyn complained of poor sleep for years...