Media contact: Michelle Low on 0400 004 553
Be ‘brain healthy’ in 2010
As the holiday season kicks off and you start to ponder your New Year’s resolutions for 2010,
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic urges people to put ‘Take care of my brain health’ at the top of the list.
“Research shows that people who lead a ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyle have less chance of developing
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia,” Lynette Moore, Chief Executive Officer of
Alzheimer’s Australia Vic said today.
“And with over 1,300 new cases of dementia in Australia each week and numbers of people with the
illness steadily increasing, 2010 is the year for all Australians to do what they can to reduce their risk
of developing dementia.”
Alzheimer’s Australia is encouraging people to look after their brain health in 2010 by following the
Mind your Mind program – the organisation’s national dementia risk reduction program.
“This is not just a case of adding ‘do more crosswords’ to your list. Following the Mind your Mind
program and being brain healthy involves mental and physical activity, healthy eating, being social,
getting regular GP check-ups, and generally looking after yourself.
“Maybe in 2010 you could learn that language you have always dreamed about, pick up a new
instrument, or join a sporting club – there are many ways to Mind your Mind.”
Ms Moore said that leading a brain-healthy lifestyle isn’t a guarantee against dementia, but it may
reduce your risk and may even delay the onset of dementia.
“Alarmingly, a survey conducted in March 2008 showed that 48 per cent of adult Australians weren’t
aware that it’s possible to reduce their risk of dementia… but it is by being brain healthy,” Ms Moore
said.
Mind your Mind Checklist - to help you think about what you can do to improve your brain health in
2010, Alzheimer’s Australia’s Mind your Mind checklist is a great starting place.
Protective factor
Yes
No
Don’t
know
I keep my brain active every day
I eat healthily
I’m physically active every day for at least 30 minutes
My blood pressure is within the healthy range for me
My blood cholesterol is within the healthy range for me
My blood sugar is within the healthy range for me
My body weight is within the healthy range for me
I participate in social activities often
I don’t smoke
I drink alcohol in moderation or I don’t drink alcohol
I protect my head from injury
If you answer ‘no’ or ‘don’t know’ to any of the above, then 2010 is a good year to start leading a brain
healthy lifestyle. It is likely to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
For more information about Alzheimer’s Australia’s Mind your Mind program visit
Media release
Monday 21 December 2009
For immediate release
NEWS 
