Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Hello and welcome to another Health Matters. Dr Michelle Wright here with your weekly look at all things medical.
Sunday 21st September marked World Alzheimer’s Day – an annual event and global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
At present, around 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia. By 2050, that’s expected to rise to 153 million.
A sobering fact: one in three older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In fact, it kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
What is dementia, really?
A common myth is that dementia is simply part of “getting older.” While age is the biggest risk factor, dementia happens because diseases damage the brain, making it harder for brain cells to communicate. Over time, this leads to problems with memory, language, mood, and even personality.
Now, dementia isn’t one single disease – it’s an umbrella term.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, making up about half of all cases, with memory loss usually the first sign.
- Vascular dementia comes next, about a quarter of cases, and is linked to strokes and reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies brings Parkinson’s-like symptoms and vivid hallucinations.
- Frontotemporal dementia, though less common, mainly affects personality, behaviour, and language.
- And sometimes people have what’s called mixed dementia – symptoms of more than one type.
What causes dementia and what are the warning signs?
We all forget things sometimes, but dementia is more than everyday forgetfulness.
Warning signs include memory loss that disrupts daily life, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with words, poor judgement, difficulty planning or concentrating, mood swings, or withdrawing from hobbies and friends.
And in terms of risk factors, some are out of our control – like age, genes, sex, or ethnicity. But the good news is that around 45% of dementia worldwide is linked to things we can influence.
How can we reduce our risk?
In early life, education builds what we call “cognitive reserve” – extra brain connections that help protect us later.
In adulthood, keeping mentally active through work, hobbies, or learning helps too.
And in midlife, the same things that protect your heart protect your brain: managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight, alongside staying physically active.
Lifestyle choices matter as well. Not smoking, moderating alcohol intake, treating hearing or vision problems, addressing depression or social isolation – all of these reduce risk.
How can we protect our brain health?
The good news is, it’s never too early – and never too late – to start. Here are some evidence-based steps:
- Move more: regular exercise boosts blood flow and helps the brain form new connections.
- Prioritise sleep: aim for seven to eight hours most nights; it’s when the brain repairs itself.
- Keep learning: new skills and hobbies keep your brain adaptable.
- Eat for brain health: diets like the Mediterranean or MIND diet, rich in berries, greens, beans, nuts, and seeds, support long-term brain health.
- Stay connected: social ties protect against cognitive decline, so make time for family, friends, and community.
- Check your health: monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, hearing, and vision.
There’s no cure for dementia yet, but prevention is powerful. So, this World Alzheimer’s Day, and every day, let’s remember it’s never too soon, and never too late, to take care of your brain.
