An expo in Warrnambool on September 27 will outline the best ways to prevent, delay and deal with dementia.
KEEPING your brain healthy and reducing the risk of dementia is the subject of an expo in Warrnambool later this month.
The Brain Health: Making the Connections Expo will be presented by Alzheimer’s Australia Vic from 10am-1.30pm at the City Memorial Bowls Club in Cramer Street on September 27.
The expo will present information on how people can look after their mental well-being by leading a “brain healthy” lifestyle, which is the theme of Dementia Awareness Week from September 21-28.
There is no cure yet for dementia. However, scientific research shows it might be possible to reduce the risk of its development, or delay its onset, if people took action in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic dementia consultant Jason Kelly said research suggested that eating well and being physically active, a regular social life and keeping mentally stimulated were among the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia.
“Looking after your heart, maintaining a healthy blood pressure and getting regular health checks are all great ways to support your brain-heart health,” Mr Kelly said.
“Already there are an estimated 72,000 people living with dementia in Victoria. As our population ages, that number is set to skyrocket almost 50 per cent by 2020.
“The time to take action is now.”
The free expo will provide information from Alzheimer’s Australia, Aged Person’s Mental Health Service, Vision Australia, the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service, Lyndoch Living, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Barwon Health and Corangamite Shire.