Whether you have a close relative with dementia, a history of high-risk factors for this condition, or a diagnosis of MCI (mild cognitive impairment) you may be concerned to know how personally 'at risk' you or a loved one is, and what you can do to 'dodge' what is definitely not inevitable. In this second edition of her highly regarded Essential Guide to Avoiding Dementia, Mary Jordan guides readers through the many factors associated with developing dementia and the science behind our current understanding, including: diet, exercise, trauma, pharmaceuticals, genetics, social isolation, sleep, neurological deficits such as hearing loss, insulin resistance and diabetes type 2. Based on her professional and personal experience of working, Mary offers a programme from which the individual reader can choose what works for them and their individual risks and circumstances.

Whilst there may be more questions than answers when it comes to dementia, this book certainly gives you a much clearer idea of likely contributing factors, and the many practical steps each of us can take to minimise the risks - and to make the best of circumstances if we, or someone we care for, develops the condition. Frances Leckie, Independent Living's Editor

Mary is a director and founder of Adapt Dementia Ltd formed to help people find a better way to live with dementia. She has specific first-hand experience of dementia through her work for Alzheimer's Society, a UK dementia charity. She also has many years of experience working for the National Health Service and in the field of medical publishing. She is a close associate of ELM (End of Life Care). Mary qualified to deliver the Alzheimer's Society CrisP programme which specifically caters for family carers and is QCF assessor in vocational achievement for Dementia. Mary's ability to use her first-hand experience to illuminate points in the training make her an inspirational and motivating trainer. Her specialist area is delivering Cognitive Stimulation Therapy to those in early stage dementia. Mary is also known for her books The Essential Carer's Guide, The Essential Carer's Guide to Dementia, The Essential Guide to Avoiding Dementia and Coping with Mild Cognitive Impairment as well as The 'D' Word co-authored with Psychiatrist Dr Noel Collins. Mary co-authored the award-winning: End of Life, The Essential Guide to Caring with Judy Carole