Without any significant medical breakthroughs in curing Dementia, a recent study has shown that more than 6.4 million Australians will be diagnosed with the degenerative brain disorder over the next 40 years – at a cost of more than $1 TRILLION.
At present around 413,000 people are living with dementia in Australia. Add another 300,000 carers into the mix and you start to understand the real ‘cost’ of dementia – it’s affecting close to 1 million lives every single day and this year alone, dementia is estimated to cost Australians over $14.5 Billion.
Now for the Good News
So, that’s the bad news, and now for the good. There are steps you can take, starting today, to reduce your risk of Dementia/Alzheimers.
- What is good for the health of your heart is also likely to be good for the health of your brain, so look after your heart by treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
- Increase your physical activity to around 30 minutes a day and try to eat a healthy Mediterranean-style diet that is high in omega 3, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats – found in fish and olive oil. Limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats (often found in take away and sweets) can also lower the risk of developing dementia.
- Mentally challenge your brain by learning new things like dancing or a second language. Remain socially connected to improve overall brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.
Early Intervention Can Delay the Onset of Dementia
While there is no cure for dementia, reducing risk by implementing preventative health measures can delay the onset of dementia for up to five years.
Effective early intervention and support for people with dementia and their carers can increase quality of life, reduce stress and sometimes delay admission to residential care.
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