Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Dementia
Brain and heart targets for better dementia prevention
Recent articles on:
Dementia
Dementia
Recent articles on:
Seniors' health
Seniors' health
Abstract
Although absolute prevention of dementia is not possible, better dementia prevention is certainly achievable and of utmost importance. A new emphasis on promoting an active cognitive lifestyle along with cardiovascular risk factor reduction is recommended.
Key Points
- Dementia forecasts suggest a quadrupling of affected individuals in Australia to over one million by 2050.
- Given this prediction, it will not be medically or economically feasible to carry on with the current practice of dementia care.
- Better dementia prevention must therefore be a national priority and requires a whole-of-society approach.
- Absolute dementia prevention is not possible, but better prevention should be achievable at the population level.
- Cultivating an active cognitive lifestyle, particularly after retirement, is one key anti-dementia strategy.
- Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, in people aged in their forties and fifties is another important strategy.
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