Dementias Staved Off By Exercise
Sun Herald
Sunday October 22, 2006
THE onset of dementia can be delayed by a healthy diet, regular exercise and mind games to prevent memory loss, an aged-care expert says.
Prince of Wales Hospital's head of aged-care psychiatry, Henry Brodaty, said that, although dementia could not be prevented, its progress could be slowed."It's well known that if you can delay dementia by five years you can halve the prevalence of the disease," he said. Professor Brodaty will lead a free public forum tomorrow aimed at training the brain to stave off dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.He said people worried about memory loss in their ageing parents, or their own memory loss in the future, should attend.About 1000 Australians a week will develop dementia.Access Economics estimates the disease costs the economy about $6 billion a year, including $3 billion for nursing-home care.The forum will be held from 10am to 1pm at Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, Bondi Junction. Phone 9382 3753.
© 2006 Sun Herald