Australians are largely unaware that common health issues such as hearing loss are risk factors for dementia.
That’s the finding of a nationwide survey on attitudes towards the condition released by Dementia Australia to coincide with Brain Health Week from March 10 to 14.
The survey conducted by iPsos found that many Australians remained unaware that proactive steps can help reduce dementia risk.
Last year, the Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors which, if addressed effectively, could reduce dementia incidence globally by 45 per cent.
The risk factors include smoking, obesity and physical inactivity as well as factors such as high cholesterol, depression and hearing loss.
“In fact, people with mild-severe hearing loss are two to five times as likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing,” said Dementia Australia chief executive Professor Tanya Buchanan.
The link between hearing loss and dementia is now all too clear for younger onset dementia sufferer Peter, who has also lived with an incurable hearing disorder for the past two decades.
“If we can get the message out there, to help people identify small changes they can make in their every day – we might just save a life,” said Peter who’s now focused on living with dementia as well as possible.
“I’m trying to live life to the full – playing golf, spending time with my family and friends, and getting out into the world,” he said.
Following the survey results, Dementia Australia is urgently calling on the federal government to fund a national discussion about brain health and dementia prevention.
Professor Buchanan said that dementia was a chronic condition that could impact anyone, just like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
“It’s a chronic condition which must be treated with the same health investment as other major chronic conditions, Professor Buchanan said.
To find out more about the modifiable risk factors for dementia, visit: dementia.org.au/brain-health/reducing-your-risk-dementia
