"MAINTAIN your brain and mind your memory" was the name of the free presentation that was delivered by Jane Ree from Alzheimer's Australia on Wednesday, March 15, at Tea Gardens Grange.
The presentation was organised by Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Neighbour Aid and supported by Aged and Extended Care Team, Carer Respite Centre, Community Nursing, Community Options, Community Transport, Home Care Service, Home Flexi Care, Hunter Integrated Care Respite Options, Lower Hunter Dementia Options and Meals on Wheels.
The presentation provided an opportunity to hear about recent research and the best medical evidence about what you can do to keep your brain (as well as your body) healthier as you age. There was also information regarding what may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Following the presentation, morning tea was put on by The Grange.
Glenn Rees, National Executive Director of Alzheimer's Australia, stated that it is not yet known how you can prevent or cure dementia, but there is a lot you can do to keep your brain healthier as you age.
"Adopting the Mind your Mind lifestyle may reduce the risk of developing dementia," explained Mr Rees.
Scientists think the changes in our brains that result in dementia may start decades before symptoms appear
Jane Ree from Alzheimer's Australia explained that during the last couple of years there has been growing interest in how we can take care of our brains.
"Whatever's good for your heart is also good for your brain," said Ms Ree.
"When you are over 65, you have a one in 15 chance of developing dementia. This risk doubles every five years," she said.
The brain is a complex organ and as we age it becomes harder to: Pay attention to more than one thing at a time, learn something new, recall names and nouns and remember information.
Ms Ree encourages the use of memory aids such as a pen and paper or a diary.
"Putting things like keys and wallets in the same place every time so they are easily found is also a good idea," she said.
Some conditions that can affect memory are: Hormone changes, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, depression, liver or kidney disease, drugs, infection, sensory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Ms Ree believes it's never too early to Mind your Mind and it's never too late either.
Mind your body
z Physical exercise encourages blood flow to the brain. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes and these are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
Mind your diet
A good and balanced diet promotes brain health. Ms Ree said a high risk of Alzheimer's disease is a high intake of saturated fat.
"Eat mainly lean meat and chicken and choose low-fat or no-fat products. Including Omega -3 fatty acids such as fish once or twice a week is also very important. Antioxidant-rich foods and drinks, folate and Vitamin E are also recommended," she said.
Mind your brain
Keeping the brain active is thought to build reserves of brain cells and enhance their connections, helping keep you mentally sharp.
Ms Ree said that mind games like crosswords, number and word puzzles, chess, draughts and cards are good stimulates for the brain.
Being socially involved and participating in leisure and other activities with people also helps maintain a healthy brain.
Mind your health checks
Staying healthy, by having check-ups, and following the medical advice of your doctor is important for general health and brain health.
Mind your head
Protect your head to reduce your risk of dementia.
"Head injury can have direct effect on the likelihood of developing dementia," said Ms Ree.
Mind your habits
Avoid 'bad habits'. Don't smoke and don't drink too much alcohol. And for your general health, it is helpful to reduce stress and get a good sleep.
"People who have disturbed sleep have an increased risk of developing dementia," explained Ms Ree.
It is combining all these lifestyles and habits together that will make the greatest impact on our brain health.
However, Minding your Mind can't guarantee that any one person won't get dementia, even if they ‘do everything right'.
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses, which cause a progressive decline in a person's mental functioning.
It is a broad term, which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions. Dementia usually has an insidious onset, with most people developing symptoms gradually over a period of years. The progression of these diseases is largely unpredictable for each individual. How and what symptoms develop depend on what parts of the brain are affected by which illness, and the unique characteristics of each individual.
The ongoing difficulties related to dementia are: Losing interest in something you have always had an interest in, finding it hard to follow or join in conversations, problems banking or calculating change.
"These things aren't always caused by dementia but it's important to get yourself checked out just in case," said Ms Ree.
Alzheimer's Australia offers information, support, education and a Helpline. For further information please call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100500 or visit www.alzheimers.org.au.
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