The Australian Women\'s Weekly - June 2018

WORDS BY SHARON HUNT. GETTY IMAGES.

160 The Australian Women’s Weekly|JUNE 2018

For advice on reducing dementia risks, text

0437 390 530 for a free Ageing Well Kit

from NeuRA (neura.edu.au). It includes

latest research and recommendations.

GET YOURfree

AGEING WELL KIT

The prevalence of dementia in Australia

is on the rise, meaning it’s never been more

important to future-proof your brain.

healthy

for a

B

y 2050 it’s estimated that almost

one million Australians will

be affected by dementia.

Professor Kaarin Anstey,

Senior Principal Research

Scientist at Neuroscience Research

Australia (NeuRA), says this sobering

statistic is a stark reminder that we all

need to be proactive about brain health.

Here Professor Anstey details nine key

recommendations to support brain health.

1

GET PHYSICAL

“A sedentary lifestyle is associated

with increased risk of dementia, while

aerobic and strength-training activities

have been shown to improve cognition,”

says Professor Anstey. Speak to your

health professional about what activities

are appropriate for you.

2

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY

WEIGHT

“In midlife years (40s-60s), being

overweight increases the risk of dementia

in later life,” advises Professor Anstey. “The

simple message is to avoid processed

food and to eat a healthy diet with lots of

green leafy vegetables and fruit as well as

two or more serves of fish per week.”

3

STOP SMOKING

There are already a myriad of

known health problems caused by

7

BE SOCIALLY ENGAGED

Socialising is beneficial not only for

mental and emotional wellness, but

also for brain health. “Staying connected is

important to keep the brain engaged and

socially active,” says Professor Anstey.

8

STAY MENTALLY ALERT

Your brain needs a mental

workout to stay in shape.

“Regardless of age, it’s important to do

things that make you think and learn,”

says Professor Anstey. Try reading, formal

courses, crosswords and puzzles.

9

SLEEP WELL

Your brain needs consistent

regular rest in order to function

properly. To encourage a good night’s

sleep, Professor Anstey suggests

adjusting your evening routine. “Before

bed, try eating a lighter meal, avoid

bright screens, coffee, tea and alcohol.”

lifestyle

smoking. Professor Anstey identifies

another reason to quit by noting that

“smokers have an 80 per cent increased

risk of developing dementia”.

4

WATCH BLOOD PRESSURE

The link between blood pressure

and heart health is well

documented, and Professor Anstey says

there’s also a connection to brain health.

“Managing blood pressure is important

not only to prevent stroke but also to

prevent dementia.”

5

MANAGE CHRONIC

CONDITIONS

“Conditions such as diabetes

and heart disease increase the risk of

dementia,” says Professor Anstey. If you

are affected or at-risk, speak to a

medical professional about how to best

manage these conditions through

medication and lifestyle.

6

AVOID BRAIN INJURIES

Sometimes accidents happen.

But where possible, protect your

head from injury. “Head injuries may

increase the risk of dementia in later life,”

Professor Anstey notes. “Avoiding head

injury, including sports, is another way to

minimise your risk of dementia.” If you

engage in risky sports, such as

horseriding, wear protective head gear.

steps