Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM says people need to know that you can live a long time with the degenerative disease while maintaining a good quality of life. ‘Some of our clients with dementia have actually gone into higher learning and completed degrees.’
Whilst there is currently no cure for the degenerative disease, there is much that can be done to live well during its progression. This includes medications that may help reduce symptoms in some people, and the same strategies that reduce the risk of developing dementia.
‘Eating well is really important, as is exercise — both physical exercise and exercising our brain,’ Maree says.
‘It might be that you take up a yoga class that exercises your brain as well as your body. Or you might start to dance again. It doesn't have to be complex or complicated; it might be doing a jigsaw, but whatever it is, make sure it's something you enjoy because otherwise you won't keep at it.’
The relatively new field of neuroplasticity has found the brain can build volume and new connections through exercise and education even whilst other parts of the brain are deteriorating.
‘It’s about getting your brain working and stimulated. The brain loves to be stimulated. It loves to learn.’
Staying socially engaged is also vital, which is why it's so important that families and friends continue to involve people living with dementia and their carers in events and activities.
‘It is really important to plan to keep doing the things that you want to do and that are important to you.’
‘For example, if you love golf, tell a couple of mates what is happening and that you may need support down the track... I've got a friend with dementia and he loves to ski so every year his mates organise a ski trip and they take him skiing.’
Tackling hearing loss is also key as it not only increases your risk of developing dementia but makes it more difficult for those who have dementia to interact socially and access the support they need.
A support network is vital, Maree says. As is learning as much about dementia as you can, with free resources and a helpline available through Dementia Australia, including tactics for managing some of the issues that may crop up.
Educating those around you will also be helpful and Dementia Australia’s website has more than 100 help sheets in 32 different languages.
‘Dementia is almost an invisible disability and, for most people, what we can't see, we often don't understand and what we don't understand, we often avoid. That's the experience of people living with dementia and their carers. Being avoided and social isolation is not good for any of us — and it's particularly not good for people living with dementia and their carers.’
Dementia Australia’s team of experts are available for support and information 24/7 on its helpline at 1800 100 500 or visit
Reviewed 17 July 2023