No cure, but you can lower your risk

With almost one million Australians predicted to have dementia by 2050, the Brain Foundation is encouraging people to reduce their risk.

According to neurosurgeon and Brain Foundation spokesperson, Professor Nick Dorsch, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk or delay the onset of dementia.

His comments came this week as Brain Awareness Week is celebrated.

“There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia,” Prof  Dorsch said. “But there is increasing evidence that mental, physical and social activity can help.

“We don’t fully understand why these factors stave off dementia, but the relationship is there. Cardio exercise may have a direct positive effect through increasing blood flow to the brain.”

According to Prof Dorsch, Alzheimer’s disease tends to come on slowly, with symptoms like confusion and forgetting recent events. Usually it is progressive, and develops worsening symptoms like forgetting how to do simple tasks, loss of social skills and inability to look after oneself.

The reality of living with dementia is heartbreaking for families, Prof Dorsch says.

Based on projections of population ageing and growth, the number of Australians with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and about 900,000 by 2050.

The Brain Foundation recommends protecting your brain function by:

• Being mentally active
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Protecting your head from injury
• Being socially active
• Getting adequate sleep

“We encourage people, especially the ageing population, to make lifestyle choices that help prevent dementia. However, we still don’t have a clear answer about the causes of dementia, and more funding is needed to find out,” Professor Dorsch said.

Donate to the Brain Foundation at www.brainfoundation.org.au or by calling 1300 886 660.