BB Fact Sheets –Health – Alzheimer's disease

Managing your mind

•  The major risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, are ageing and your genetic make-up.

• The latest recommendation from Alzheimer’s Australia is to maintain a healthy brain from as early a time as possible. According to their review of research, this won’t necessarily guarantee that you will not get dementia, but studies of large groups of people have shown that those who adopt ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyles have a reduced risk of developing dementia.

• The early diagnosis of memory loss could make a difference in how the disease is treated and the potential effect on your life and others around you (family members, friends).

• See your Doctor for advice and information about memory loss and brain activities that may be beneficial to you.

• Remember that early diagnosis is better than finding out later on so see your Doctor if you notice changes in memory, thinking and behaviour.

Baby Boomers and Alzheimer's disease

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of Dementia, a disease which results in memory loss, thinking and behavioural problems. According to the Alzheimer's Australia website there are currently over 9,600 Australians under 65 years of age who have younger onset dementia.

• There are over 100 conditions that can cause dementia and there isn’t a singular test used in its diagnosis, early detection helps the person and their family begin to adjust and prepare for the future.

What can I do?

• Know your mind - if you are worried or think something is wrong, see your Doctor. If you are worried about someone you know or a relative, give this information to them.

• Follow the seven mind your mind signposts from Alzheimer's Australia covering your brain, diet, body, health checks, social life, habits and head. This is detailed on their website at: http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=2178

• Call an information hotline such as the National Dementia and National Education hotlines, they are free, confidential and can help point you in the right direction

National Dementia Helpline:   1800 110 500

National Education Helpline:   1800 180 023

Australia - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/

NSW      -  http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=21

QLD       - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=23

VIC       - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=25

WA        - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=26

SA         - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=24

TAS       - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=27

NT        - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=22

ACT      - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=20 

Multicultural Information:

Multicultural Health    - http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/mhcs/topics.html#a

LOTE                       -  http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Languages_Other_Than_English

Indigenous Australians:

Health Info Net          -  http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

Alzheimer's Australia -  http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopageid=4654

Family and Carers              - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/family and carers

                                           - http://www.carersaustralia.com.au

Dementia Risk Reduction    - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?topicid=283

Warning Signs                    - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?topicid=43

Support Services                - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=9

Younger Onset Dementia    - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?topicid=55

Alzheimer's Association      - http://www.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?infopage

Carer's Australia                - http://www.carersaustralia.com.au

For more information on this site related to this topic: Omega-3

Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

This article was created by Frances Williams for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's website for Baby Boomers. Sources include Arthritis Australia and the Federal Government. Babyboomers.com.au is an online resource to help people find information and services on health, money, travel and  recreation

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