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Lifestyle changes lessen dementia risk
Ward off mental decline by altering risky behaviours before symptoms appear .
People who want to reduce their risk of dementia in later life have to start making lifestyle changes in middle age .
The critical period to optimise healthy brain ageing and prevent dementia is up to 20 years before symptoms appear , says professor Sharon Naismith of the University of Sydney ’ s Brain and Mind Centre . She runs an intervention program that focuses on treating patients in the early stages of dementia .
The program targets conditions and behaviours that contribute to cognitive decline , including depression , sleep problems and inactivity .
Naismith says while there is no cure for dementia , there are ways to reduce the risk .
“ Studies show that 30 – 50 per cent of dementia risk is due to
factors that can be addressed in midlife ,” she says .
“ Physical activity , cognitive activity , depression and sleep disturbance are key targets in midlife , as well as those strategies focused on heart health .”
Alzheimer ’ s Australia says what is good for your heart is also good for your brain . It says the risk factors associated with dementia can be managed through lifestyle changes .
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEMENTIA
• Look after your heart . Heart disease and midlife hypertension increase the risk of Alzheimer ’ s disease and vascular dementia . People should work to lower their cholesterol and blood pressure .
• Increase physical activity . At least 30 minutes a day for adults is recommended .
• Eat healthily . A Mediterranean-style diet , high in omega-3 , polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats , is good . Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats .
• Avoid head injury . Studies suggest moderate to severe head injuries increase the risk of developing Alzheimer ’ s disease and other forms of dementia .
• Challenge your brain . Learn new things such as dancing or a second language .
• Remain social . Observational studies have shown an association between lower dementia risk and higher levels of social interaction . ■
With AAP
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On average , Australian women have just over half the super of men .* Maybe it ’ s time to change that ?
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Issued by H . E . S . T . Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249 , the Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia ( HESTA ) ABN 64 971 749 321 . * According to Australian Bureau of Statistics ( ABS ) Retirement and Retirement Intentions , Australia , July 2012 to June 2013 , women in Australia retire with 47 % less in their super than men . abs . gov . au / ausstats / abs @. nsf / mf / 6238.0 agedcareinsite . com . au 5