Though Australia's population age, we can also live longer. But the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) said that "more people will die from dementia in a few years time" too. But worse than that is we do not yet have a cure. However, nutritional expert for older people believes that if we eat healthy food along with living a healthy lifestyle we could prevent dementia.
Dietician Ngaire Hobbins specializes in nutrition for older people said that "only 10% of those who are 65 are diagnosed with dementia, but 90% is still doing fine. So there is still hope that we can do something to prevent this disease.
She said by eating whole food in their natural form that is still fresh are much more better than frozen vegetables because fresh color vegetables, herbs and spices have more antioxidant, which can protect our brain cells and other cells in our body from damaging and help reducing long term inflammation that make us sick.
Though Associate Professor Michael Valenzuela from Sydney University's Brain and Mind Research Institute which leads regenerative neurosciences group agrees with Ms. Ngaire Hobbins, he added that there is not enough evidence to support such claim. But if we lead a healthy life style it would help especially if we look after ourselves very well so we can avoid chronic diseases and dementia.
Oil that is derived from olive, nuts or seeds is another factor that can prevent our aging brain, said Ms. Ngaire Hobbins.
Next is that we have to have a healthy gut, said Ms. Hobbins. Because good bacteria in our gut can communicate with our brain and if we have a healthy gut which enable us to eat more fibers and some fermented foods that in return will nurture our brain and our health.
But Dr. Venenzuela said that the most important point is "either we use our brain or we loose it". This means that we will need to keep our brain active by studying new languages, do hobbies that we love, do brain teasers, play music, reading, doing math, Sudoku, or do activities that maximize our brain, so we can keep it functioning properly.
if you want to find out more information about how to keep your mind active you can check http://yourbrainmatters.org.au website or if your want more information on how to manage life with dementia, please call Alzheimer's Australia helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit their website at fightdementia.org.au or you can contact the National Dementia Helpline through Telephone Interpreting Services on 131 450.
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