This week is National Dementia Action Week and Inverell Community Support are encouraging families and friends to talk more openly about dementia.
Sandy Scoble from Inverell Community Support says they want to break down some of the barriers such as the fear of dementia, stigma, and the worry that nothing can be done to help.
Dementia is a brain condition that can affect one’s thinking, mood and behaviour as well as memory, enough to interfere with their everyday life, with the most common form of the disease being Alzheimer’s disease and is the leading cause of death of women in Australia.
Mrs Scoble says the earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can get started with treatment, planning and making life changes.
Taking care of your health may lower your risk of dementia. It is important to:-
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Keep your brain active
- Stay socially connected
- Have a check-up with your GP every year
- Have a hearing test.
