The National Dementia Strategy is to recommend training for GPs in the recognition of early signs of dementia. This is based on evidence that earlier provision of home support and carer support can reduce admissions to care homes. However, we face the problem that, having made an early diagnosis of dementia, we have no treatment to offer which can alter the progression of the disease. A prescription for walking would be an attractive option, but it is not yet clear whether this can achieve a clinically significant effect.