It’s the second biggest cause of death in Australia and researchers are throwing their weight behind finding better ways of diagnosing and treating dementia.
But there are still plenty of myths about what causes dementia — including that it’s just a normal part of ageing.
With Dementia Action Week being held this week, Dr Maree Farrow, Dementia Prevention expert at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and Dr Lila Landowski, neuroscientist at the University of Tasmania have debunked some of the myths.
Years ago we were all encouraged to get rid of aluminium mugs because there was concern that the aluminium might cause dementia.
Dr Farrow says, “Aluminium is everywhere in our environment, it’s not going to make any difference and certainly doesn’t cause dementia.”
Dr Landowski says, the other myth is about Omega 3 being effective in preventing or alleviating dementia.
She says, whilst there have been studies on the benefits of Omega 3 for dementia sufferers, there hasn’t been anything substantial to say it does help prevent or alleviate symptoms.
However, Dr Landowski says, “Omega 3 is good for brain function, but it’s not the Holy Grail that we thought it would be.
It is good for heart health and what’s good for the heart is good for the brain.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, help can be found at Dementia Australia, the unified, national peak body for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and their carers.
