Get to know about dementia

Published Monday, 16 September, 2013 at 03:50 PM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Brain health: making the connections, is the theme for this year’s Dementia Awareness Week which runs from today until Sunday.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said more than 320,000 people lived with dementia in Australia, with that number expected to increase to 400,000 in less than 10 years.

“Dementia affects brain function so it impacts on thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks,” Mr Springborg said.

“It is a growing health problem so it is important that people take the time to learn more about dementia and promote a brain-healthy lifestyle.”

While there is no single reason that causes dementia, recent research has suggested combining mental, social and physical components in leisure activities play a significant role in reducing dementia risk.

Keeping the brain active is also thought to build reserves of healthy brain cells and connections between them.

Mr Springborg said the early signs of dementia were not always obvious and could be very subtle.

“It is important to see your GP if you are concerned about dementia Symptoms include progressive and frequent memory loss, personality changes, apathy and a loss of ability to perform everyday tasks,” he said.

“An estimated 1.2 million Australians are involved in the care of a person with dementia, so it’s not only the person with dementia who is affected by the disease.

“Alzheimer’s Australia reports that in most cases family members have noticed symptoms of dementia three years before a firm diagnosis is made.”

Assistant Minister for Health Dr Chris Davis said dementia robbed people of their independence and placed a huge burden on carers.

“It is 20 or more years before symptoms become obvious so we can’t delay in addressing the risk factors,” Dr Davis said.

“One of the biggest silent risk factors is obesity. Obesity causes blocked arteries and this in turn can cause dementia.”

Events throughout Queensland this week include a free community information morning in Townsville, a brain health expo in Brisbane and information courses for family carers in Rockhampton and South Brisbane.

For more information on Dementia Awareness Week activities near you, go to http://www.fightdementia.org.au/whats-on/Events.aspx

[ENDS] 16 September 2013

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585230