Brain health promotion
14 modifiable risk factors account for almost half (45%) of all dementia cases (The Lancet standing Commission. Lancet. 2024). (Link to 'Dementia risk reduction' in pathway)
You can provide education about dementia and risk reduction in opportunistic contacts, health assessments and GP management plans.
Normalise brain health conversations as you do with other health promotion e.g., heart health or lung health.
Brain health promotion needs to start mid-life.
Key messages for brain health promotion:
- Look after your heart
- Follow a Mediterranean diet
- Stay physically active
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Protect your head and avoid injury
- Stay social
- Exercise your brain
- Manage depression
- Optimise hearing and vision
(Dementia Australia. https://www.dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia)
Resources
Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk Assessment: A free on-line tool that patients can use to understand their dementia risk profile. The assessment gives you a personalised report that they can discuss with your doctor and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. https://cogdrisk.neura.edu.au/
BrainTrack: a free app that helps patients monitor and understand changes in cognition over time, which they can use to start a conversation with their GP. https://www.dementia.org.au/braintrack