Synapse - reconnecting lives

Dementia is a category of brain diseases that result in memory loss and deterioration of speech, motor skills and cognitive functioning as it progresses. 

Over 321,600 Australians are currently diagnosed with dementia, and the impacts of the disease are felt by countless more of the carers, family and friends of those affected. Research shows that people who have acquired a brain injury are more likely to develop dementia in old age than the general population. Fortunately, there are a number of changes that can be made in our own lives to reduce our risk of dementia, and there are community organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of those currently living with the disease.

What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of symptoms, the most well-known of these being a gradual loss of a person's memory.Other symptoms of dementia can include deterioration over time in speech, motor skills, thinking and planning, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.People with dementia can lose their ability to control their own behaviour and may at times be socially inappropriate or unaware.The disease is progressive, meaning that symptoms become worse over time, and towards the later stages of the disease people require full-time care from family members or staff in a nursing home. Dementia is a terminal disease and at present, despite the best efforts of our medical researchers, there is no cure.

There are a number of different types of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's disease, and others including vascular dementia (usually related to stroke), Parkinson's disease dementia, alcohol-related dementia, and Lewy Body Syndrome. While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not a normal or natural part of ageing.Although rare, people in their 50s, 40s and even 30s can be diagnosed with "younger onset" dementia.

How are dementia & brain injury related?
Research has shown that people who have had a moderate to severe brain injury are more likely to develop dementia in later life.The pattern of changes seen in the brain following a moderate to severe brain injury can appear similar to those changes seen in Alzheimer's disease.It is not as clear whether there is an increased risk of dementia for those who have had a mild ABI, such as a brief concussion.

Repeated, mild ABIs, such as those experienced by professional sports people like boxers and footballers, are related to a condition similar to dementia known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).This condition is also seen amongst war veterans who have experienced repeated, mild head traumas.CTE has particular symptoms such as changes in mood, thinking, behaviour, and difficulties with balance and motor skills.

Reducing your risk of dementia
Researchers at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have found that a person is more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or depression.

A person is also at greater risk if they are obese, don't exercise regularly, if they smoke, or if they have low levels of education. Other types of dementia have other risk factors: for example, heavy drinkers are more likely to develop alcohol-related dementia.

Based on these risk factors, there are five important steps that we can take to reduce our risk of dementia:
• Look after your heart
• Be physically active and follow a healthy diet
• Mentally challenge your brain
• Enjoy social activity.

Concerned about your memory?
If you are concerned about your memory or that of someone close to you, it's important to speak to a doctor. A doctor will be able to listen to your concerns and investigate a range of possible causes of memory difficulties. An early diagnosis of dementia ensures that a person has access to support, information and treatment options. Additionally, it provides that person with an opportunity to be involved in the early planning of their future care, including an opportunity to discuss financial and lifestyle wishes. When visiting your doctor, it may be helpful to write down your concerns before the appointment, and consider bringing along a close friend or family member for support.

FIVE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA

Look after your heart - Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and weight checked regularly by your doctor. Avoid smoking.

Be physically active - National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. walking, dancing, swimming, cycling) most - but preferably all - days.

Mentally challenge your brain - For example, learn a new skill, participate in an educational course, read about interesting or novel topics, or have a regular, engaging hobby.

Follow a healthy diet - Eat a variety of foods, including two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables per day. Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two standard drinks in any one day.

Enjoy a social activity - Organising regular social outings with friends and family, joining a community or volunteer group, or having a regular social leisure activity (such as cards) helps keep the brain active.

More information on how to maintain brain, heart and body health can be found at Alzheimer's Australia's website (http://yourbrainmatters.org.au).