As we age, our health concerns naturally evolve, and for many Australians, dementia has become the spectre looming over our golden years. The fear of losing our cognitive abilities and independence to this condition is profound, with more than half of Australians expressing concern about developing dementia, a fear that is particularly pronounced among older adults and women. This concern outstrips even the fear of cancer or a heart attack, according to Body+Soul’s Health of the Nation report.
Dementia, a term that encompasses a variety of brain disorders characterised by memory loss and a decline in cognitive function, is not just a normal part of ageing—it’s a serious health condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. With an estimated 433,000 Australians living with dementia in 2025, and projections suggesting that number could nearly double by 2054 without significant intervention, it’s clear that dementia is fast becoming Australia’s major public health dilemma.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to reduce our risk of developing dementia. Professor Michael Woodward, a leading geriatric medicine specialist and Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor, emphasises the importance of treating our brains with the same care we give our hearts. He outlines four key lifestyle factors that can help ward off dementia:
1. Regular exercise: Aim for at least 200 minutes of physical activity per week. This can include walking, swimming, or any other form of exercise that gets your heart pumping and your body moving.
2. Healthy diet: Adopt a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and lean protein. This diet has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.
3. Social engagement: Maintain active social networks. Engaging with friends, family, and community can keep your mind sharp and provide emotional support.
4. Mental stimulation: Exercise your brain for at least 30 minutes a day. This can be through puzzles, reading, learning a new skill, or any other mentally challenging activity.
Recognising the early signs of dementia is also crucial. These can include frequent forgetfulness, regularly misplacing objects, repeating oneself, and changes in mood or behaviour. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan highlights the need for a national conversation on brain health, as well as targeted support for those affected by dementia. With dementia now the leading cause of death for Australian women and projected to soon be the leading cause for all Australians, the call for critical investment from the Federal Government has never been more urgent.
It’s also important to note that dementia isn’t exclusive to those over 65. Almost 10 per cent of cases involve younger individuals, with early-onset dementia currently affecting 29,000 Australians—a number projected to increase by over 41% by 2054.
In an effort to promote brain health, Body+Soul has partnered with Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith’s Kic to give readers who sign up before March 3 free access to the app for four weeks. In addition to the app’s full range of features, Kic has designed a special Health of the Nation challenge, offering three weekly workouts lasting between five and 20 minutes.
For those seeking more information or support, the Dementia Australia helpline is available at 1800 100 500.
Have you already adopted any of these brain-boosting habits? What strategies have worked best for you or your loved ones? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your insights and tips!
Also read: Red meat and dementia: What the latest research suggests
