Scientists discover the secret to avoid dementia – and everything is in your diet

People most at risk for dementia can reduce their chances of developing the disease by eating well, drinking less, exercising and not smoking.

Research suggests that risks are 32% lower in people who are susceptible to the disease if they follow a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Elzbieta Kuzma, of Exeter University, said: "Our results are exciting as they show that we can act to try to compensate for our genetic risk of dementia."

The study badyzed data from 196,383 adults aged 60 and over and identified 1,769 cases of dementia over eight years.

Participants were grouped according to their genetic risk, their diet, their physical activity, their alcohol consumption and their smoking.

Fiona Carragher of the Alzheimer Society said, "With a person with dementia every three minutes in the UK, knowing how to reduce the risk of dementia could not be more vital.

"Hit this salad bar, exchange a badtail for a non-alcoholic badtail and take out your exercise kit."