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What is dementia?1-3

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by diseases affecting the brain.

In everyday life, dementia affects:

  • Thinking
  • Behaviour
  • The ability to perform everyday tasks

Initially dementia may interfere with a person's social or working life. However, as it progresses, people experience difficulty with the tasks of personal care (like dressing or toileting) as well as memory problems, communication difficulties, and confusion. Some people may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, and experience personality changes, agitation, delusions and hallucinations. The exact symptoms experienced by a person with dementia will depend on the areas of the brain that have been damaged. However, dementia is usually progressive, so the person's symptoms get worse over time.

How many people are affected by dementia?

Without a significant medical breakthrough, the number of Australians affected by dementia is expected to increase over four-fold from 245,000 in 2009 to 1,130,000 by 2050.4

What are the causes of dementia?1-3

There are over 100 illnesses and conditions that can result in dementia. However, the most common types of dementia in Australia are:

  • Dementia in Alzheimer's disease
  • Vascular dementia (resulting from brain damage caused by cerebrovascular disease)

How can I reduce my risk of developing dementia?

Whilst the biggest risk factor for dementia is increasing age, it is not a normal part of ageing. Based on our current research evidence:5,6

'The number one means of reducing the risk of dementia is the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).'

Other strategies to reduce the risk of developing dementia include:

  • Combining mental stimulation, social engagement and exercise
  • Healthy eating and drinking
  • Prevention or treatment of cardiovascular problems

For more information on dementia risk reduction visit: www.mindyourmind.org.au

How do I reduce my blood pressure if it's high?

According to the National Heart Foundation7, to keep your blood pressure in check:

  • Talk to your doctor
  • Be smoke free
  • Reduce your salt intake
  • Keep a healthy body weight
  • Be physically active
  • Limit your alcohol

For more information on keeping your blood pressure in check, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au

References:
  1. Access Economics (2009). Keeping dementia front of mind:incidence and prevalence 2009-2050, Access Economics Pty Ltd.
  2. AIHW (2006). Dementia in Australia: National data analysis and development. Canberra, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Commonwealth of Australia.
  3. Alzheimer’s Australia (2005). What is dementia? Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.
  4. World Health Organisation (1992a). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD), 10th Revision.
  5. Valenzuela, M. (2009). It’s never too late to change your mind - the latest medical thinking on what you can do to avoid dementia, ABC Books.
  6. Woodward, M. (2007). Dementia risk reduction: The evidence, Alzheimer’s Australia, Paper 13.
  7. Heart Foundation (2008). Your Blood Pressure. Patient Information Sheet. INF-042-C. Available at www.heartfoundation.org.au