Dementia is not a normal part of getting old
It is one of the biggest myths about dementia. Getting older does not mean you will get dementia. And there are real, everyday things that help protect your brain, at any age.
So what is dementia?
Dementia is not one single disease. It is a syndrome. That means it is a group of symptoms that happen together.
Those symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and trouble with thinking and reasoning. They are caused by different diseases that damage the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common one.
This matters, because it changes how we think about dementia. It is not just "getting forgetful with age". It is the result of disease in the brain. And some of what causes that damage can be acted on.
Age is a risk factor, not a cause
Dementia does become more common as people get older. But many people live into their nineties without it. And younger people can develop dementia too. Age alone does not cause it.
Nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed
In 2024, a major international review found that around 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide are linked to 14 risk factors we can do something about.
This does not mean dementia is anyone's fault. Many things are outside our control, and some people do everything right and still develop dementia. But it does mean small changes are worth making.
The 14 risk factors
Different risks matter at different times of life. Here they are, grouped by when they have the most effect.
Early in life
1. Less education
Staying in school longer, and keeping on learning through life, helps build up the brain's reserve.
Midlife, from about 45 to 65
2. Hearing loss
Get your hearing checked. Hearing aids help you stay connected to the people around you.
3. High cholesterol
High LDL cholesterol in midlife raises the risk. Your GP can check it with a simple blood test.
4. Depression
Treating depression is good for your brain as well as your mood. Support is available and it works.
5. Head injury
Protect your head. Wear a helmet, use seatbelts, and take steps to prevent falls.
6. Physical inactivity
Moving your body helps your brain. A daily walk counts. Anything is better than nothing.
7. Diabetes
Keeping blood sugar under control protects the blood vessels that feed your brain.
8. Smoking
Quitting helps at any age. Your brain and your heart both benefit, and it is never too late.
9. High blood pressure
Have it checked regularly from midlife. It is easy to treat and easy to miss.
10. Obesity
Carrying extra weight in midlife adds to the risk. Small, steady changes make a difference.
11. Too much alcohol
Heavy drinking harms the brain over time. Cutting back lowers the risk.
Later life, 65 and over
12. Social isolation
Staying connected protects the brain. Company, conversation and community all count.
13. Air pollution
Long-term exposure to polluted air raises the risk. Cleaner air is a community issue, not just a personal one.
14. Untreated vision loss
Get your eyes tested. Treating problems like cataracts helps you stay active and connected.
Source: Livingston G and others, "Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission", The Lancet, 2024. Read what Dementia Australia said about the report.
Track your brain health with BrainTrack
Track
BrainTrack is a free app from Dementia Australia. You play short travel-themed games, and it tracks changes in your thinking and memory over time.
It then creates a report you can take to your doctor. It is not a test for dementia, but it can help you start the conversation.
Become a Dementia Friend
A Dementia Friend is someone who learns a little about dementia, then uses that understanding to help people in their community.
It takes a few minutes. You watch three short videos on the Dementia Australia website. That is it, you are a Dementia Friend. You can then register to get your badge and resources.
It is one of the simplest ways to help us build a dementia-friendly Blacktown.
Free help, any time of day
National Dementia Helpline
For information, advice and someone to talk to. Free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day, every day.
Dementia Australia
Dementia Support Australia
For when someone's behaviour has changed and you need clinical help. Free, and open 24 hours a day, every day.
HammondCare
This page shares general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your memory or thinking, please speak with your doctor. In an emergency, call 000.
Want to learn more with us?
Come to a session at The Living Hub, or join us in building a dementia-friendly Blacktown.