It is a sad reality that nearly all of us know a person living with dementia and have witnessed the effects this has not only on them, but on their carers, family and friends.
This disease can happen to anybody. Though it is more common after the age of 65, people in their 40s, 50s or younger can also have dementia.
While there is no cure, living a ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyle is a way to reduce the risk. A recent report shows that the numbers
of dementia sufferers could be reduced by lifestyle changes. Keeping physically active, reducing blood pressure, eating a healthy diet and exercising your brain are strongly recommended as ways to help reduce the risk.
According to Glenn Rees, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Australia, there are many ways to Mind your Mind. Learn a new instrument or language, join a sporting club, live a social life and include lots of physical and mental activity every day.
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory,intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 50 – 70% of all dementia cases.
A new report has found that the number of Australians with dementia is expected to quadruple to more than 1.1 million people by 2050.
Medical research is extremely important, and that’s why Lovatts is supporting Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and their Mind Your Mind campaign. Alzheimer’s Australia’s mission is to minimise the impact of dementia through leadership, innovation, advocacy, policy, education, services and research. Glen Rees is adamant that “the emphasis should be on early intervention”.
We often hear from readers that doctors have recommended crosswords to them as either patients or carers, as a way to boost brain function. Crosswords and puzzles are not a quick fix but may help reduce the likelihood that you will get dementia or delay the onset of the disease. It is recommended that you vary your brain activity. So you should include crosswords, cryptic crosswords and puzzles such as Sudoku and brainteasers with other mental activity like taking up a new hobby or learning something new. Take an active interest in your community or help children and grandchildren with their homework.
Whatever your age, you can do a lot to keep your brain active and help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
For details of Alzheimer’s Australia’s Mind your Mind program, CLICK HERE, visit alzheimers.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. To view the Lovatts range of brain-boosting titles, please click here.
Happy Puzzling!
