With an increasing number of people living with dementia in Australia and around the world, research activities aim to understand how the brain works and look for ways to reduce or slow the risk of dementia. Across the globe, 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed each year.
We don’t have a cure for dementia and nor is there any options to guarantee prevention. But research is uncovering ideas on how to slow the progression of dementia and technology is looking at ways of helping people who are living with dementia to maintain independence for longer.
A healthy diet and social activity may help reduce your risks. Taking up a new activity to challenge your brain may also have positive results. New research from Monash University has found that “brain activities” such as crossword puzzles, chess, keeping a journal, using a computer and education classes may be effective at slowing the risk of dementia.
Passive activities and creative hobbies such as knitting, reading and painting may also be effective but the Monash University research found that brain activities produced more effective results.
The research found that people who engaged in these brain activities are around 10% less likely to develop dementia, compared to a 7% reduction for the more passive activities. While these activities may not prevent you developing dementia, they may slow progression.
Now might be the time to join a chess club or start doing a daily crossword puzzle.
Dementia is a leading trigger for a move into residential aged care. The family home may no longer provide a safe environment for a person living with dementia and care activities may place a significant strain on the spouse or other family members. Activities that reduce the risks of dementia may help to keep you in your own home for longer, but a plan for how to fund care and what options you have available will help to reduce some stress and uncertainty, no matter what your health outcome.
If you want to talk about aged care and your options, call us today on 1300 127 284 to arrange an appointment.
Factual Advice Warning: This document has been prepared based on our understanding of the relevant legislation at the time of writing. While every care has been taken, Aged Care Pathways makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. Any information provided in this website is purely factual in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. The information is objectively ascertainable and is not intended to imply any recommendation or opinion. This does not constitute financial product advice under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Before making decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information.
