As the general age of the population increases, dementia is affecting more people than ever before.
Triggered by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain, the condition displays differently in every person and can impact adults of any age.
There are 200 known variants, including Alzheimers, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia, and scientists are constantly learning more about its causes and potential treatments.
While certain risk factors, like age, are non-negotiable, there are some things you can do to help manage your chances - such as what foods you choose you eat.
Spinach
A favourite of Popeye the sailor man, spinach is also at the centre of the MIND Diet, which recommends leafy green vegetables and berries above other types of vegetables and fruit.
This is because they have a strong, positive effect on cognitive health and may help slow decline.
Studies suggest this may be due to neuroprotective actions of the chemicals lutein, folate, β-carotene, and phylloquinone, which can be found within the food
Leafy green veg
In addition to spinach, there are a host of other leafy green vegetables that are recommended for the same properties, including kale, collard greens, and lettuce.
Multi-coloured meals
Plenty of colour across your plate can be a sign of healthy brain food, according to nutritionists.
It is recommended that you try to have six different naturally coloured foods at each meal, and even more if you can manage.
This will ensure you are having a healthy intake of antioxidants, which protect against oxidative stress in the brain.
Vegetables, salads and fruits should make up at least half of your plate, from which you can add grains, nuts, seeds, pulses, fish, good oils, dairy and meats.
Red apples, yellow egg yolks, dark green veg and black olives are just some foods that can help you build up your colour spread, alongside a small portion of dark chocolate.
Blueberries
Blueberries and strawberries help keep the brain working at its best, and may slow symptoms linked to dementia.
Last year, a study by scientists at the University of Cincinnati tracked the memories of 33 people who were in their late 50s and had obesity.
Half of the participants received a blueberry sachet to mix with water every day, while other half were given a placebo.
A marked improvement was observed in the memories of people who were given the blueberry sachet everyday, suggesting that "ongoing blueberry supplementation may contribute to protection against cognitive decline", according to Dr Robert Krikorian.
Wholegrains
Because wholegrain hasn't been split like refined grains - where the bran and germ are typically removed -it remains intact, and offers far more nutrients.
Some diets recommend you try to eat wholegrains three times a day, attempting to incorporate one source of it into each meal.
These can include many wheats, including spelt, rice, barley (including hull-less or naked, but not pearled, maize, rye oats, millets and wild rice.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a major building block of the brain.
Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against cognitive decline.
Olive oil
It's best to use olive oil as your cooking fat of choice to get the best results for your brain.
Rich in over 230 anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil is known remove dangerous proteins from the brain, and has a host of other health benefits too in comparison to butter and other cooking oils.
