Your Health
Dementia
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Dementia is a broad term used to describe loss of memory, intellect, social skills and ordinary emotional responses. It is caused by deterioration in several areas of the brain. A person with dementia may find it increasingly difficult to perform previously familiar tasks, such as remembering, self-care, numeracy skills, and even speaking.
Dementia Services provides information on the signs and symptoms of dementia. Information on the range of support services for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends is also provided at their website.
Mind your mind is a community education program run by Alzheimer's Australia. Their website has many suggestions about lifestyle changes you can make that may reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Amongst other things, they suggest that you should:
- keep your brain active, by doing mind games like puzzles, and take every opportunity to learn new things
- exercise regularly, including resistance training and balance exercises
- reduce the amount of fats you eat and make sure you get plenty of Vitamin E
- keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- maintain an active social life
- avoid head injuries by wearing protective head gear when cycling and taking care on the roads, and
- avoid smoking and drinking.
