Reading some of the horror stories in the newspapers, one could almost believe that Homer Simpson was expressing society's opinion and attitude to the elderly.  But while there is some truth to it, it isn't the whole story.  My colleagues, who specialise in geriatric medicine, are deeply committed.  Indeed, as more and more people survive into old age, authorities are (at last!) beginning to take their problems seriously.  Why?  If for no better reason than they can vote.  And, as we have already seen, mental decline, whether attributed to age or a specific dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, is not confined to old age - far from it.  Alzheimers, other types of dementia, and cognitive decline, are all seen in younger age groups - they're just commoner in old age.  Moreover, as I have suggested earlier, the roots of Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of cognitive decline, begin a lot earlier than when the condition becomes obvious. 

What does that mean?

Well, in my view it means that we should do our utmost to help ourselves before ever we develop symptoms.  And the wonderful part of this message is that we can so painlessly and readily do this.

I've already discussed the way to do this clearly and extensively in The Brain Food Diet.  I'm afraid that I cannot discuss drugs for Alzheimer's disease and their current availability, or lack of it, for professional reasons.  But I would like to offer my sympathy to sufferers and their carers.

Go to omega-3s in mental health