TIPSLIFEHACKS

As awareness of dementia continues to rise in New Zealand and globally, so does the desire to understand how to prevent it. You've probably seen headlines championing the benefits of exercise, a healthy diet, brain training, and staying socially active as ways to reduce your risk. While these are undoubtedly good for overall health and wellbeing, attributing dementia risk solely to lifestyle choices is an oversimplification and, frankly, can be harmful.

The Complex Reality of Dementia

Dementia isn’t a single disease, but an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect cognitive abilities, impacting memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, but there are others, including vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Each type has its own unique causes and risk factors.

While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can influence risk, they are just part of the picture. Genetics play a significant role. Having a family history of dementia significantly increases your chances of developing it. Age is another unavoidable factor – the risk increases dramatically with age. Furthermore, underlying medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure are all strongly linked to an increased risk of dementia. These conditions often have complex, multifaceted causes that aren’t easily addressed through simple lifestyle changes.

The Problem with Blame

When dementia is presented as primarily a consequence of personal choices, it can lead to stigma and blame. Individuals and families affected by dementia may feel guilty or responsible, believing they could have prevented it with different lifestyle choices. This is unfair and inaccurate. It also ignores the systemic factors that contribute to health inequalities, such as access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe environments for exercise.

Focusing on Support and Early Detection

Instead of focusing solely on prevention through lifestyle modifications, we need a more nuanced and compassionate approach. This includes:

• Investing in research: To better understand the complex causes of dementia and develop effective treatments.
• Improving early detection: Raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia and ensuring access to timely diagnosis.
• Providing support for individuals and families: Offering practical and emotional support to those living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Addressing health inequalities: Ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Perspective

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains crucial for overall well-being and may contribute to reducing dementia risk. However, it's vital to acknowledge that it's not a guaranteed shield against the condition. Let’s shift the conversation away from blame and towards understanding, support, and a commitment to finding better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat dementia. It’s about creating a society that is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of their cognitive health.