Dementia can happen to anyone – but you can reduce your risk of getting it.
Here are 10 ways you can reduce your chances of developing dementia. We also outline the treatments and aged care options that are available.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a brain condition that affects mood, memory, thinking and behaviour.
While it is not a “normal” part of ageing, it is most common in people aged 65+.
Many different conditions can cause dementia, and unfortunately there is currently no cure.
What are the different types of dementia?
More than 100 different medical conditions can lead to dementia. Common conditions include:
| Alzheimer’s disease | Causes damage to your neurons – the cells in your brain that carry messages. |
| Vascular dementia | Caused by damage from restricted blood flow into your brain |
| Lewy body dementias | Caused by damage from tangled proteins inside brain cells. Parkinsons disease is a type of lewy body dementia. |
| CTE dementia | Caused by repeated head injuries |
10 ways to reduce your risk of dementia
While there is no surefire way to prevent dementia, these 10 brain-friendly lifestyle choices can reduce your risk:
Keep your mind active
Just like your body, your mind is fitter and stronger when it gets a regular workout. As you get older, you can challenge your brain to keep it sharp. Activities such as reading, doing crosswords and puzzles, taking a course or learning a language are fun, and keep your mind interested and engaged.
Get a hearing aid
People with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing. Have a regular hearing test and take advantage of hearing aids and assistive devices if you need them. Hearing devices can improve your social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing. Book a hearing test or see your GP to get started.
Get your eyesight checked
Similarly, people with vision loss are at a higher risk. Talk to your doctor about your vision and have regular eye checks. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, use them whenever you need them to reduce the strain on your eyes and brain.
Protect your head
A severe head injury, or repeated blows to your head, can lead to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). To reduce your risk, wear safety gear when playing contact sports, and wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or motorbike. Use a walker or cane if you need one and install safety rails in your home if you are at risk of trips and falls.
Exercise & maintain a healthy weight
Exercise helps keep your brain healthy and improves your memory and thinking. In fact, people who are physically active throughout their lives are less likely to develop dementia.
While there is no direct link between obesity and cognitive decline, being overweight does increase your risk of developing health conditions that are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia.
Stop smoking
Smoking increases your risk of dementia – as well as heart disease, stroke and cancer. There are plenty of great resources to help you quit, including Quitline or the Cancer Council.
Reduce alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is a definite risk factor for cognitive decline, including younger onset dementia. Changing your habits and reducing your alcohol intake can help even if you’ve already been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The government’s alcohol guidelines recommend no more than 4 standard drinks in any one day, and at least two alcohol-free days per week.
Get blood pressure & cholesterol under control
Cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can increase your risk. Get regular checkups and follow recommendations for a healthy heart, such as watching your weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol and not smoking.
Stay connected socially
Studies show that maintaining social connections can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Spending time with other people stimulates your brain and increases your emotional wellbeing. Join a local sports club, participate in a group activity or volunteer regularly. Even a phone call or a friendly chat with a neighbour can give your brain a boost.
Get a good sleep
Sleep is very important for brain health. A good 7-8 hours per night will help you form new brain cells, and boost your mood, memory and alertness. Over time, if you get insufficient sleep, or if you have sleep apnoea, you can increase your risk of developing dementia, depression and other cognitive problems. If you’re struggling to get enough shut-eye, chat to your doctor about sleep strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a TYPE of dementia. In fact, it is the most common form of dementia in Australia. People who have this physical brain condition can experience memory loss, slower thinking and changed behaviour.
Read more about Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease | Dementia Australia
How is dementia treated?
There are many treatments for the symptoms and effects of dementia, including:
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Cognitive therapies
- Occupational therapies
People living with dementia can also benefit from:
- Lifestyle aids and home modifications
- Counselling and support
Read more: Maximising quality of life for people living with dementia (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
What aged care options are available for people with dementia?
There are many ways to care for someone with cognitive decline. Options include
In-Home Care
Receiving support services through the Home Care Package program or Commonwealth Home Support Program can help someone to remain in their home for as long as possible.
Read more about Home Care Packages: Home Care Package Guidelines – Aged Care Decisions
Read more about CHSP: What is CHSP? | The Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Respite Care
Respite care is short-term, professional care delivered in the home or within a residential aged care facility.
Read more: How to get respite care | govt-funded short-term residential respite (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Residential aged care
As dementia progresses, a transition into residential aged care may be necessary. In a nursing home, a person can receive 24/7 specialist care and dementia-specific therapies.
Many aged care homes have dementia-specific units that are designed to accommodate people with low-level to high-level care needs.
Read more: Aged care options for people with early signs of dementia (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
How to find dementia-specific aged care facilities
Dementia specific nursing homes provide a safe and stimulating environment. Many of them offer special programs, secure wings and highly skilled staff that can maximise quality of life for residents.
Not all aged care facilities cater to people with dementia, and the level of support available varies greatly between facilities.
So how can you find the facility that is best for your loved one?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can assist.
Our Placement Specialists use custom-designed software to match your care needs, location, budget and preferences with aged care vacancies and provider options that suit you.
We can help you save time, reduce stress, and find a provider you’ll love.
Here’s how our obligation-free, 100% FREE service works:
We assist tens of thousands of families each week to find and compare residential aged care and respite care options and Home Care Package providers that match their needs.
Resources: Care and Support
Dementia Australia: Home | Dementia Australia
The National Dementia Helpline: The National Dementia Helpline | Dementia Australia
Dementia Support Australia: Nationwide, 24-hour dementia carer support | Dementia Support Australia
