Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit

There are many reasons why people get dementia, including our genetics, and things that have happened in our lives that are beyond our control. But there are also things we can do that help keep our mind, body and spirit well.

Dementia and our Genes

While it is not common to develop dementia because of genetics, it is worth mentioning any family history to your doctor. The doctor can decide whether or not family history is important for supporting your individual health and wellbeing.

I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE RESEARCH ON DEMENTIA AND GENETICS

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

There can be many things that happen throughout our lives that can have an effect on our risk of dementia. Research has found that things can happen, outside of our control that can result in a higher rate of dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

However, it is also important to note that just because a person has experienced these things doesn’t mean that they will get dementia.

Click on some of the life events below to find out more about what we know about their links to dementia:

Going to school and informal education (such as traditional cultural practices, games, sport, community involvement, reading, art, and music), as well as skilled work and training opportunities, may protect against dementia and cognitive impairment in late-life.

A lower level of education is a risk factor for dementia.

Recent studies reinforce the importance of strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and family structures, which may be protective against some early life stresses.

Recent studies show an association between childhood stress and late-life adult mental health, including history of depression, history of anxiety and/or PTSD, previous suicide attempt, and current symptoms of depression.

Childhood trauma, stress and hardship are associated with late-life emotional health and dementia.

If required, seek help for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Reducing the risk of head injuries and concussions and protecting your head from accidents (e.g. wearing a helmet when riding a bike or wearing a seatbelt in the car) may reduce the chances of developing dementia. As people grow older, accidental falls become more of a concern and can cause head injuries.

Serious head injuries and repeated injury or concussions may increase the risk of developing dementia.

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Reducing my Risk

There are some things that we can do to reduce our risk of developing dementia. We make decisions every day about what we put in our bodies and how we use our bodies these may affect our risk of developing all kinds of health issues.

Research about dementia has proven that making some changes to our health behaviours can reduce the risk of dementia. Remember, every little change helps!

Can you guess some of the health behaviours or factors that might influence our risk of dementia?

Click on the icon to reveal ways to reduce dementia risk: