Reducing your risk of dementia

The last thing anyone wants to do in retirement is worry about their health.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and the second leading cause of death for all Australians.

With no cure and limited treatment options, the prevalence of dementia in Australia is increasing along with our ageing population, and many Australians are concerned about their risk of developing the disease.

Alzheimer’s WA CEO Maria Davison said there was a range of actions Australians could take to reduce their risk.

“Risk reduction options could hold the key to reducing the impact of dementia and specific diseases such as Alzheimer’s on current and future generations,” she said.

“Most people can reduce their risk of developing dementia no matter how old they are, and this involves looking at lifestyle factors.

“Research confirms a healthy, active lifestyle, normal body weight and blood pressure, positive social interactions, mental stimulation and management of stress appear to be key factors in preventing Alzheimer’s disease in up to 30 per cent of cases.”

Ms Davison said other positive steps to reducing risk of dementia included:

• Avoiding processed foods and eating a healthy diet containing lots of fish, fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts.
• Ensuring you get six to eight hours of sleep.
• Staying socially active and connecting face to face with people whose company you enjoy.
• Engaging in mentally challenging activities.
• Exercising, ideally for at least 40 minutes five times per week, and undertaking muscle strength training if possible.
• Reducing alcohol consumption.
• Abstaining from smoking.

If you would like more information on reducing your risk of dementia, want to know more about our services or just to chat, call us on 1300 66 77 88 or email support@alzheimerswa.org.au.