Dementia is a chronic illness which affects the brain. More than 400,000 Australians suffer from dementia. It’s the second commonest cause of death in Australia. And as people live longer, the number of Australians suffering dementia is increasing.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s can include:
- Memory loss
- Personality change
- Confusion
- Loss of ability to make decisions, and skills.
At present there is no cure or effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented or its onset delayed through:
- Not smoking
- Taking education as far as possible in your youth
- Frequent moderate to high levels of exercise
- Avoiding head injuries
- Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure low
- Taking on a new complex skill later in life like a language or a musical instrument
- A diet where you eat more plants and less red meat
- An active social life.
For more information, talk with your GP.